2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antonio Nunn, WR, University at Buffalo
- Name: Antonio Nunn
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 200 lbs.
- Position: WR
- College: University at Buffalo
- Twitter: @toniionunn
- Instagram: toniio.nunn
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My experience at Buffalo was pretty challenging at first. It was a new environment for me. Going from Florida to Buffalo, I had to prepare for the cold and a culture change. After a few years, things got better because there were veteran leaders around me that helped me adapt. I made a lot of connections on and off the field. My major was Communications. I wasn’t able to participate in much else besides football and my classes.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Everyone says that the stuff I do is surreal, but it really comes natural. I have good jumping ability and can high point the ball. I also have sneaky speed and can be a vertical threat.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I feel like I can play any role on a team. I can be a gunner on special teams if I need to. I can do a little bit of everything. I can be a mismatch as an inside slot receiver or be a vertical threat on the outside. We were a very run-oriented team at Buffalo, and I take pride in my blocking ability. As a receiver, typically you have guys that are very selfish and always want the ball, but I can put my pride aside and do what’s best for the team.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Two players come to mind. Sean Murphy-Bunting from Central Michigan and Rock Ya-Sin from Temple. Murphy Bunting is currently with the Buccaneers. I remember he was very physical, patient and he had good technique. Ya-Sin is currently with the Colts. He just had the size and body composition to really compete at the line. Both of those players really opened my eyes as to what kind of player that I needed to be. They pushed me to get better. I knew I had to get stronger to compete which I have.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Jovany Ruiz. He was a walk-on as a receiver who was put on scholarship this past season. He fought through injuries and hasn’t let anything stop him. He’s now our starting slot receiver, and I expect him to do great things next season.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My junior year of school I had hyperextended my knee. It was the 3rd game of the season and all the top college scouts were there to check out a lot of players. I got hurt in the 2nd half of the game and was lost for the rest of the season. I might have been able to come back earlier, but our high school didn’t have all the resources to help players return faster.
That was a hard time. I got so low at times that I wanted to quit. I would stay at home and ask teachers to send me homework to do. My mom was the one that encouraged me the most. She would tell me not to lay down and quit, but to get up and keep working. She was the Superman of the house, and told me to go outside and jog. With my mom’s motivation, I was able to stay focused and get better. I’m thankful that Buffalo gave me the opportunity to play despite coming off injury, and I haven’t looked back ever since.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Track or basketball. I played basketball up until I got to high school and I stopped growing. I was pretty good in track & field. I did all the jumping events and participated in sprints and relays. I went to regionals with our 4×100 team and in the triple jump and high jump.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of getting my degree. Back in high school, I wasn’ the best student. I was a bit worried when I had to take my test to get into college, but everything turned out. My position coach was always there to keep me in line and help motivate me with my academics.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I had a very memorable moment in our game against Penn State in 2019. I was coming off a minor knee procedure. I missed the opening game. I was cleared to play just a few days before the game. We were backed up in their student section and couldn’t hear anything. We ended up driving the ball about 90 yards for the score. I caught a 40 yard pass from Matt Myers. Our sideline went crazy and the Penn State crowd went quiet. I ended up with 113 yards receiving in that game. We fought hard and showed what we were capable of despite the loss.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite player is Julio Jones. You never hear any crazy headlines about him. He is a team player and is straight business on the field. I also grew up a Percy Harvin fan. Being from Florida, I had to admire his electric speed and playmaking ability. The player in the league that I try to model my game after is Stefon Diggs. He may not be the biggest guy, but he’s sneaky fast and makes great plays.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Lil Durk. He’s my go-to for game day music. I like all his music. He never misses.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom’s spaghetti is the best.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is “The Goonies”. My favorite TV shows are “Snowfall” and “Power”. Denzel Washington and Will Smith are my favorite actors.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I watch movies and play video games like Call of Duty: War Zone. I get on group chats with my friends all the time and we alternate between playing games or recommending new movies to watch. One of my hidden talents is that I’m a pretty decent cook.
Who or what motivates you the most?
My family. I’m the only boy with 6 sisters, one of which is my twin. They motivate me the most. My city (Tampa Bay) also motivates me. Coming from where I’m from, there are very few ways to get out. That inspires me to be great.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.