Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Malik Stanley, Wide Receiver

Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL, CFL, and XFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read this interview and follow Malik’s journey on Twitter @SSB_Leek1

1.Rank focus,footwork and skill based on what is most important to you as a football player and explain why? 

Focus, skill & footwork. All of these are very important in my position. I placed focus first because as a WR, slot I have to acknowledge presnap and postsnap movements. My mindset in presnap usually is first corner alignment, near safety alignment, and also I like to understand where my opponent’s linebackers are. All of my presnap visuals come from film and repetition in practice. Footwork and skill are more muscle memory for me. I love making a defensive back look silly, whether it is a simple break down at the top of my route or making a move after the catch. I’m also a physical receiver so I try to take advantage of a DB in multiple ways!

2.What has been your biggest challenge in life? 

My biggest challenge in life would be right now. Last year I came out of Louisiana Tech off of my best individual season, and also one of the best teams I’ve played with. I transferred in hoping to help myself in the upcoming draft and also better myself as a player. From thereafter the season, I started training to show scouts that I’m not just a big possession receiver, but also a guy that can move as well. With my proday a week away I ran the fastest 40 I ran yet which was a 4.57. The goal was to run faster than that at my pro day and then Corona hit. Which was devastating. As hard as this time has been I continuously remind myself of my favorite quote “minor setback, for a major comeback” so I just strive to get better everyday. 

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

Every time I strap on my helmet I instantly think of the legendary Steve Smith Sr. I think the rest explains itself.

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

New Highs & New lows starring Malik Stanley. My life has literally been a rollercoaster on and off the field. Life is beautiful though just to wake up everyday is a blessing. When you’re at you’re highest in life you need to enjoy the view, and when you’re at your lowest that is when you dig down deep inside of you and try to reach your full potential. 

5.What is your favorite workout? 

While training for the pro day we did a lot of resistance work. This helped me become more explosive, so I would say any type of work out that enforced this method! 

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

Calvin Johnson. He has always been one of my idols to watch him play for a not very good team and shine every week showed me that regardless of what’s going on around you to always make the best of your opportunity.

7.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?  

Positive contagious attitude. Knowing that things don’t always go as planned. I stay optimistic and learn from what happened on the field and apply it for next time. Even if I’m not involved. 

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

Ever since I was a kid. Growing up watching the hometown team (Chiefs). Dante Hall made me want to fulfill the dream of mine. Which is to play at the highest level. 

9.What do you hope to achieve as a football player going forward? 

The ultimate goal is to play on Sunday’s and I will strive for that goal until it is reached. Then from there, I will continue to set and achieve much harder goals 

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

A resilient young man who wants to learn and get better everyday.

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

Louisiana Tech @ Texas I didn’t have the best game of my career, but I played my tail off and proved to myself and everyone else I belonged. 

12.What is your favoritve stadium that you have played in? 

Louisiana Tech Stadium