NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: John Staton IV, LB, Samford University

John Staton IV
John Staton IV the hard-hitting linebacker from Samford University recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of NFL Draft Diamonds.
  • Name: John Staton IV
  • Position: LB
  • College: Samford University 
  • Height: 6′ 1″
  • Weight: 220 lbs
  • Twitter: @johncstaton2

1.How has your experience as a Samford University Bulldogs player been?

Honestly, I’ve loved every second of it. I knew to come to Samford as a walk-on was going to be a challenge, but it was a challenge that I welcomed. I am very thankful that Coach Hatcher has given me an opportunity to play football and get a great education at Samford. I didn’t really know what to expect when I got to Samford but it has blown away any expectations I did have. I have the best teammates and coaching staff in the country in my opinion which has really helped me get the most out of myself each year. 

2.What is your favorite workout?

I really enjoy a full-body workout. During quarantine, I usually start my workouts by running a few miles which is something that I’ve never really enjoyed doing before. I also work on my shoulders in some form every day. I enjoy doing a higher volume of reps at a lower weight so I can also work on my endurance. Going into my senior year I finally understand what works for me regarding my body and workout plan to put myself in the best position to succeed on the field. 

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

I really get out there and just try to do my job. I know if I do my job and the other guys on the field do theirs we are going to be successful. Once the ball is snapped I get in the mindset that I’m not stopping until I hear the referee blow his whistle which has really helped me during my time at Samford.

4.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?

I’ve never really thought of this but it’s a great question. I think I would call it  Never Down Never Out. I would call it this because whatever life throws at me I try my best to take it head on. You never know when a bad situation can turn into a good situation and I truly believe you are never out of the fight. 

5.What do you do for fun?

I think my favorite hobby is playing golf. My dad got me into the game a few years ago and I’ve really taken a liking to it. I really love competing and golf has given me an opportunity to do that outside of football. Something else I really enjoy doing is helping my sister out with her baking company. She does a really good job so I really just try and not mess anything up and try not to eat all of the product. 

6.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

The biggest challenge I’ve ever faced was losing my best friend during my freshman year of college. Obviously I never expected anything to happen like that especially not at that age. The whole experience really taught me a lot about myself, but also about how sometimes the biggest challenges in life can present the best opportunity to grow. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be the person I am today without going through that challenge. 

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

7.What do you hope to accomplish if you make it into the NFL?

Honestly, after not being recruited in high school my dream was to play college football. If I was given the opportunity to play in the NFL I would make sure to never lose the fight I had in college and approach every day like a new opportunity to get better. I think if I did this I would be happy with the results. Right now I’m really just focused on getting back out on the field with my teammates and bringing a Socon championship back to Birmingham. 

8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My dad really inspired me to be a football player. He played at North Carolina so I naturally grew up loving the game because he did. He’s been my role model and my best friend my whole life so being able to play the game we both love is incredible. Funny enough I actually thought I was going to end up playing baseball until the second semester of senior year in high school but I’m really glad I decided to take a chance and play football.

9.If you could live anywhere in the world where and why?

I think I would really like to live somewhere in Colorado. I really love the state and it’s so different from living in Atlanta. Either Colorado or somewhere on the lake with some great weather.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

I think a team would get someone who brings everything he has each and everyday and wants to get better. I’m willing to play special teams, defense, or whatever it may be. I think I bring great leadership quality and a hard-working attitude. 

11.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite football moment either has to be winning a state championship in high school or playing against Georgia as a true freshman. I grew up a big Georgia fan because my mom is from Athens so that was a really cool experience. 

12.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I think I would really like to hang out with Luke Kuechly. He’s been one of my favorite players for a long time. I really like the way he played the game and I would love to pick his brain about football and playing linebacker.

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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