2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zach Bohnenkamp, DB, Northern State University

Name:  Zach Bohnenkamp 
Position: DB
College: Northern State University 
Height: 6’
Weight: 190
Twitter: @zachbkamp22
Instagram: zachbkamp

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2022 NFL Draft?  

My versatility and instincts. I can play corner, safety, and nickel, as well as being a polished kick/punt returner. I have the speed to cover the fastest receivers and strength to guard the big ones. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?  

Been playing as long as I can remember, started with a competitive flag football league in Tucson, AZ when I was 6.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?  

There is no one that will work harder to make it in the NFL, I have been overlooked my whole football career, and I have the confidence and skills to be successful, even coming from a small school.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?  

Children’s cancer research. My mother is a cancer nurse, and growing up around the hospital seeing kids in pain is the worst feeling. I would love to ease the burden of even just one child.

What is the best advice you have ever received?  

At a camp my senior year of HS I got to work individually with Prince Amukamara, and he told me “If you believe you can accomplish your dreams, work toward them, and do everything for God, then you will” 

Who was your childhood hero?

My father. He worked very hard to provide everything that I needed for school and sports. He coached many of my youth sports, and in HS he never missed a sporting event, even while dealing with spinal surgery and long hours of work.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?   

WR, Dakota Larson. I have gotten the opportunity to play against many NFL and power 5 college receivers, and this kid would compete with all of them. He is not a vocal leader, but quietly does everything right on and off the field, and has truly pushed me to be the best player that I can be. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I cannot stand when people are late to things. Time if finite in this life and I do not like to waste any.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Before the last football season, one of my best friends died from a drug overdose, it was hard to keep my head on straight, and playing through that was very difficult.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The fan and faculty support is truly on another level from any small school in the country. We always have more fans at away games than the home team. One of my professors, Dr. Jon Mitchell, watches all of our away games on the big screen in our science lab, and emails players congratulations when they make a great play!  

What is your favorite snack food?

Takis and watermelon sour patch kids

What is the funnest part of football?

Either returning the opening kick off, or being in cover zero on a great receiver in passing situations.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?  

I am talented, hardworking, and capable of playing many positions on offense and defense, would be an impact special teams player right away.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Tre’Davious White, we are very similar in size and speed. He has mastered many different techniques and is excellent in press and off-man coverage. He’s got great instincts and plays with an edge that I feel I share.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Deion Sanders, Ed Reed, and Michael Jordan. They are my sports idols, and I feel like I could learn so much from their stories and experiences. I believe a single dinner with them would give me great insight on how to be the best player I could be, plus I’d get to meet my favorite athletes.