2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Drake Temple, FS, Hillsdale College
- Name: Drake Temple
- Height: 6 ft. 2 in
- Weight: 185
- Position: FS
- College: Hillsdale College
- Twitter: 22draketemple
Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?
• I’m from Walled Lake, MI, suburb of Detroit Area. The things I love most about it is the environment and the people. We have several lakes in the area and it’s enjoyable to spend quality time with friends and family out on the lake or on the beach in the summer.
List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?
• Strength and Conditioning is most important to me because this is what builds the foundation to compete to the best of your ability, physically and mentally. Next is film study because it is essential to slow the game down, and figuring out tendencies, speed of opponents, favorite route combinations or plays all help with this. Slowing the game down by watching film, allows me to fly around on game day. Lastly, but just as important is practice. Practice allows you to fine tune your technique and fundamentals, and help put you in the right place to make plays. Practice is also fun because it’s an opportunity to compete.
What do you worry about, and why?
• I don’t worry about much at all. When unexpected things or events happen, I just know it will all work itself out over time, no matter how big or small. Each day is a blessing, and an opportunity.
Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?
• When I was in high school I always wanted to dunk a basketball, and was never able to. I would try for hours at a time while with my friends, or in gym class, and was always close, but could never do it. Although I was upset, I took this jump program I found online and continued to work on my jumping until I finally was able to dunk my first basketball. Nowadays, it is something I’m proud of and is a little hobby in the offseason, because it took so much time and effort to accomplish back then.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
• My teammates would probably say my best quality is my instincts and the ability to use my awareness to make plays on the ball and play downhill
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
• Trey Brock WR Hillsdale College. I would choose him because I was able to face him day in and day out for 4 years, and he made me a better player. He recently attended the Kansas City Chiefs mini-camp.
What would your career be if you couldn’t play football?
• Real Estate Agent. I would like to pursue Real Estate because it is something I have always found interesting. I love houses because each one is unique in its own way. Helping people find their dream home would be awesome.
Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?
• Room. I must have a clean room at all times.
If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?
• I would have to choose my family member, because family is everything to me.
If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?
• I would be James Bond, who wouldn’t?
Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?
• My biggest adversity in life was the passing of my grandfather when I was young. It was the first family death I had experienced and was tough for me. He taught me so many things, especially regarding sports, and I still talk to him before every football game.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
• My most embarrassing moment was when I was running for a wide open touchdown in youth football and I fumbled the ball when there was no one within 20 yards from me. I remember it like it was yesterday.
What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?
• The most memorable play of my collegiate career was my Junior Year when I had a one-handed interception.
What song best describes your work ethic?
• Rhythm is a Dancer (Breath Carolina)
What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level?
• Confidence, and resilience.
If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?
• My grandfather because he had a huge impact on my life, and was so fun to be around.
If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it?
• Drizzle’s
Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?
• Matthew Stafford. Being a Lions fan, he doesn’t get enough credit for his toughness and ability.
Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?
• Respected. Being liked is nice, but is not needed. You need to be respected by those around you.
What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?
• Josh Gordon, because of where he is at now. He has been battling with himself and is doing everything he can to be a positive role model, and the best version of himself.
Do you love to win, or hate to lose?
• Hate to lose.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?
•My parents. They have supported me tremendously throughout my life and are always there for me. They have taught me many life lessons.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com