2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: D’Vonte Price, RB, Florida International University
- Name: D’Vonte Price
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Position: RB
- College: Florida International University
- Twitter: @Dre_izzle_24
- Instagram: 24_degrees
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 major is in Public Administration. I will occasionally volunteer my time with the football team in community events such as feeding the homeless and reading books to kids at the local elementary school.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Leadership. I’ve been a team captain and a leader of my position group. I help the younger players with their workouts in the gym, and some of the things that happen on and off the field.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role used to be mostly a special teams player. I’ve been on punt and kickoff coverages as well as take the occasional opportunity as a returner. As far as my role as a RB, I have a good mix of size, power and speed to do anything the coaches want. I can run in between the tackles and run outside on sweps. I also have confidence that I can catch out of the backfield as well.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Javon Scruggs is a safety out of Liberty that I have respect for. He’s a high energy guy whose motor is always going. I had to study his blitz patterns and always be at the top of my game when he was coming.
Old Dominion had some good edge rushers a couple years ago. Oshane Ximines was a big physical player that ended up getting drafted by the Giants. He was one of the best DE’s that I ever played against. He was a big guy to go against.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Bryce Singleton and Shemar Thornton are two great dudes at WR that I came with. Bryce is a beast on the field and Shemar is a hard worker that is all business on the field. We have some great guys in our secondary too with Dorian Hall and twins Richard and Rishard Dames. All those guys bring the juice on every play and are good leaders on our team.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
The biggest obstacle that I’ve ever had to deal with was the loss of my daughter on July 16, 2020. It was raining bad that day, and we were waiting in a hotel room when complications started to happen. Sadly, my daughter was stillborn. It was a traumatic moment which is very hard to come to terms with. My twin brother just had his baby girl, and I was heartbroken that I wasn’t able to have mine. Now, I’m never one to question God, but this circumstance just made my break down.
I allowed myself to mourn. Yet, I still had to get back to business. My coaches and teammates have been very understanding and helpful. I was set up with a team counselor that I talked to through the season. I developed healthy coping skills to help get me through some of the hard moments. The coaches even gave me the choice to stay home if I had to. Yet, honestly, football was something that I could focus on to help keep my mind off of my loss. I didn’t let my situation hinder my preparation or performance on the field. I really let it motivate me.
This sort of situation is something that you really can’t overcome. Although, what I would say is that I have not allowed it to overcome me. I’ve changed my mindset on life and now understand not to take the little things for granted. I know that sometimes you’re put in situations to help you grow into a better person which I have.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Track. Track was my second love going all the way back to middle school. I really enjoyed it. I ranked in the state in the 110m hurdles. My best time was 14.09.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of staying the course and not allowing my situation to get the better of me. Many people would have ended up somewhere else, but I’m still on track to graduate from college and work towards my dream of playing in the NFL.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your football career.
Back in high school, we were in the 3rd round of the playoffs going against a huge rival in Fort Myers. I had been out with a collarbone injury for several weeks, and I was able to come back to play in the 2nd round of the playoffs. That game against Fort Myers was a very important one. We were down 7-14 going into half time, and eventually ended up going into double overtime. I ended up scoring 4 TDs in that game including the game winning TD. That was one of the best moments of playing football.
Beating Miami was one of the craziest moments for FIU in 2019. We were obviously a huge underdog. I know I didn’t play much in that game, but I was beyond happy to see us come away with a victory. The fans greeted us coming back to our stadium which was a great feeling.
My best game statistically was against Florida Atlantic in 2020. I ended up with 178 yards on 26 attempts. It’s always a huge going against a rival. We’re studying all week in the film room. I know I came away with some great stats, but the win would have felt a lot better.
Do you have a favorite athlete and/or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I try to watch Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry. They are two of the best backs in the league, and I really enjoy their game.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artists are G Herbo and Future. Before games, I like to listen to “Last Breath” by G Herbo and “Riding Wit it” by G Herbo.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I’ve loved my mom’s spaghetti ever since I was young. It always makes my day.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Biker Boyz. One of the TV shows that I like is Criminal Minds.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I enjoy cooking. I also like to ride dirt bikes.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love the game. I’ve enjoyed it ever since I played flag football at about 4 years old. Being on the field with my twin brother was some of the best times and always a good motivator. My mom really motivates me. You see players really go all out on their moms when they get to the league. I want to buy my mom anything she wants one day. My daughter motivates me the most though. Knowing that she has the best seat in heaven looking down and watching me play makes me work the hardest that I can. When I’m on the field, I’m not worried about anything else except playing the game that I love to the best of my ability. I know there will be bumps along the road, but I’m sure I can handle any hurdle that comes my way.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.