2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Maksim Duric, TE, University of Toronto

• Name: Maksim Duric
• Position: TE
• College: UofT
• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 230
• Twitter: @maksimduric
• Instagram: @maksimduric 

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

My versatility plays a large role in the way I play. I believe I have very good awareness and a catch radius unlike anyone else. My hands are very good, in every target I’ve had through my university career, I’ve never dropped a ball. It allows me to be able to slide into the slot or wideout positions. 

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

I’ve always watched football growing up but I never played up until grade 12. My gym teacher asked my try out for the football team and the rest is history

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

I have an incredibly high ceiling and come from a family of athletes. I was a swimmer, I played basketball, tennis, golf, and soccer growing up so I have knowledge of what it takes to be part of a team and find it very easy to adapt and interchange amongst, positions, groups, and teams. 

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

It would be to give kids the opportunity to participate in sport. I believe it is essential in a child’s growth that they understand what it takes to be part of a team of any kind. It creates life skills that will be used in every aspect of their lives.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever received is to continue to work and grind even when you feel like you’ve done enough or you’re already at the top. There will always be someone out working or out doing you. My character of always chasing greatness and being the best – having that knowledge is crucial to my success.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was Michael Phelps. His level of greatness is unmatched, he constantly worked through any adversity and wanted to be the best ever. 

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

The most underrated teammate in my school is the guys who don’t get much time on the field but grind and put their blood sweat and tears to get an opportunity because they make every one of us who have the privilege of taking the field, even better, if they can put in the work then so can we? It makes the whole team better.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When guys take things for granted – never let an opportunity go by. I’ve unfortunately been dealt with injuries throughout my career that have set me back. Seeing guys who have opportunities to take their games to the next level and letting them pass by, is insanely frustrating. 

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

Most recently, in September I was dealt with two herniated discs in my lower back. Mixing that with covid made the last few months was one of the hardest and darkest points in my life. Luckily I am on my way to recovery now and am going to be better than I ever was because of those moments.

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

UofT offers so many opportunities to meet such a diverse group of people. The friends and connections I’ve made have set me up for life and I couldn’t be more thankful.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favourite snack food is any kind meat/cold cut mixed with a cracker or chip.

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is the ability to go out on the field and compete and battle as hard as you can, letting out aggression while mixing it with finesse makes the game so fun and pure.

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

I have an incredibly high ceiling with an already incredible skill set mixed with a big body.

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

Jason Witten, not the fleetest of foot but an absolutely sure handed big body.

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

It would be Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, and Barrack Obama. Three people who have experienced many incredible feet in their lives and who have knowledge that is unattainable else where. They are all incredibly successful and have experiences unlike anything else.