2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: De’Andre Washington, TE, Arkansas-Monticello

• Name: De’Andre Washington
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Position: TE
• College: University of Arkansas-Monticello
• Twitter: @dedekong88

Tell us about your university/college. Are you involved in any other activities or organizations other than football? What was your major/minor?
I am involved in community service for the football program. I’m currently majoring in Health & PE and will be graduating in December.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates say that my work ethic is my best quality. Everyday I compete with my teammates to make the team better.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as an important piece to the team. Being a 2x All-American, teams tend to focus on me a lot, so I do everything that is required to get my teammates involved. I see myself as a very versatile TE. I can line up just about anywhere on the field. I can also get dirty and put my hand in the dirt or line up as a sniffer.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Preston Haire QB OKBU

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
One of my teammates that really stood out to me this past year is my QB Demilion Brown. As a freshman, he really stepped up and changed the whole dynamic of our offense. He also won GAC Freshman of the Year and I’m very excited to see the future of him because the sky’s the limit for him.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
When I finally earned a scholarship from being a walk-on. 

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

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement would say is getting All-American Honors for the 2nd time in my career.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Even though the play didn’t count, I would say a touchdown play against our rival SAU. We were down 7 late in the 4th, and I ran a corner post route. I managed to get open, despite being double teamed, caught it and ran for the score. The best thing about it was that I loved how hyped the crowd got throughout the whole play. It sucks that it got called back due to a bad call, but it was still a surreal moment.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is LeBron James, and my favorite professional team is the Atlanta Falcons. I model my game a little after Evan Engram, Geogre Kittle, and Zach Ertz because of their great route-running and breakaway speed. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist and who I love listening to before games is NBA Youngboy. His music just gets me hype and really gets my adrenaline going.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken alfredo

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
Avengers Endgame or Black Panther 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
Play 2k and hang out with my close friends.

Who or what motivates you the most?
What motivates me the most is my father not being here to see me succeed in life. I lost my pops at a very young age, and there’s not a day that I don’t think about him. I just wish that he could see me accomplish all of my goals in life. I just wanna make him proud and tell him that I love him one more time.