NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Marques Ford, DE, Bethune-Cookman University

Marques Ford the speed rusher from Bethune-Cookman University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

Name: Marques Ford
Height: 6’4
Weight: 245
Position: Defensive End/Pass Rusher
College: Bethune-Cookman University
Twitter: @Marques_Ford

Pro Day Results:
40yd: 4.65
Vertical: 36”
Broad Jump: 9’11”
Bench Reps: 23
3-Cone: 7.00
Short Shuttle: 4.30

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

I went to Bethune-Cookman, a smaller university in Daytona Beach, FL. I majored In Health and Exercise Science. Campus life for me was mostly being focused on football. For the most part I stayed in my apartment and was driven towards doing things that had to do with the game coming up or getting ready for training. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality? 

My teammates would say my pass rush ability and how I attack the line of scrimmage are my best qualities. The way I disrupted our opponents offense was a major factor during my time at Bethune-Cookman.

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

I see myself being a huge factor on 3rd down situations. As for the scheme I most fit in, I would have to say a 3-4 defense as the rushing backer, although I can play with my hand in the dirt as well because I don’t get blown off the ball. 

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

Honestly I’m not too sure, I always breakdown my opponent on film but I’ve never felt like I’ve had a battle against one particular player. Teams have usually game planned against me during games.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jimmie Robinson impresses me the most, and I feel as if he will make an impact in the NFL as a Slot or a Kick Returner. He’s explosive and can easily make the first defender miss.

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

All my football career, even when I was a kid, I struggled with keeping my weight on. I played a position that nearly required you to be a certain size in all levels of the game. Recently I overcame that and now I’m the ideal weight for a DE/OLB in the NFL at 260lb.

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

Basketball, definitely. Dunking on somebody is almost equivalent to getting a sack.

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

Since highschool I’ve always had to make it out the mud. My highschool wasn’t well known so I had to show out and give college coaches a reason to check me out. Same situation with JUCO in Mississippi and finally at BCU where HBCU’s tend to get overlooked compared to most schools. My biggest achievement other than my degree would have to be my All-American honors during my time at BCU.

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

2018, The Florida Classic against FAMU, last play of the game and we are up by I think 4 points. The ball is hiked and I run right by the Offensive Tackle hitting the QB and causing him to throw an interception to win the game, making it 8 wins in a row against that team.

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

Von Miller, definitely. It all just seems so easy for him. 

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

Young Thug will always be my pregame artist. Only rapper nowadays that comes with a flow like that. 

What is your favorite comfort food?

I could eat an entire pack of Oreos and not even realize it.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio

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

I love fitness, in the future I plan to base my life around it. And I’m into the whole “Florida Living” thing. Fishing, the beach, relaxing on the boat and all that.

Who or what motivates you the most? 

My parents. I couldn’t ask for any better than them. Even having their own things they’ve been dealing with they’ve never hesitated to put me first. I plan to repay them and then some any chance I get once I’m in the league.

Damond Talbot

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

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