2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Thad Mangum, DL, South Florida

• Name: Thad Mangum
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 280 lbs
• Position: DL
• College: University of South Florida
• Twitter: @tman5_15

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

Wofford College is a great college that has incredible people. Wofford is a private institution that is always looked as the underdog, and the characteristics of the people that make up the college fit that title due to the hard work that is put in day in and day out. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality? 

My teammates would say my work ethic is my best quality. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

The role I see myself would be a team leader that the coaches depend on to be vocal when need be, and dependable to make the big play when the opportunity presents itself. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I have ever played against would be Gyasi Yeldell DE and Rock Ya Sin CB from Presbyterian College. Those guys were so disruptive when we played them. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jireh Wilson and Joe Newman are teammates that impress me the most because the amount of preparation and work that they put into the game is unbelievable and to see their success this past season was very exciting to see. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Actually right now, during last season I tore my meniscus in the first game of the season and had to miss the remainder so going through rehab and recovering from surgery has been tough, but I have pushed through the tough times and exciting times are ahead. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

If I didn’t play football I would play basketball. Basketball was my first sport and I didn’t start playing football till I was a junior in high school. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am most proud of seeing the young guys  like Michael Mason Austin Lufkin and Tanner Barnes mature this past season so quickly after I went down and just seeing them mature was fun to see and let me know that even while I’m not able to play due to injury I still can have an impact on the team. My biggest achievement would be being named all-conference after my junior season.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career?

The most memorable play of my career was getting a fumble recovery and getting to run with the ball a little bit.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Aaron Donald is someone I look up to he is the best defensive player in the game and is similar in height and weight to me he is the greatest though and I’m striving to get to that elite level. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

My favorite Music artist is J. Cole. Before games I like to listen to Would be Focused  by G Herbo and March Madness by Future. 

What is your favorite comfort food?

My favorite food is chicken and my favorite meal would be Japanese chicken and steak and rice. 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movie would have to be Coach Carter.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

Favorite hobbies would be playing 2K20 and sleeping. 

Who or what motivates you the most? 

What motivates me the most is just wanting to be the best version of myself to allow myself to use the talents God has given me to do great things for him.