2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joshua Curry, WR, UNC-Charlotte

• Name: Joshua Curry
• Position: Wide Receiver
• College: UNC Charlotte (previous Jacksonville University but program ended)
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 185
• Twitter: @chef_curry2018
• Instagram: @bopped_city and @curry_mindset

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

As a wide receiver, hands and route-running have to be crisp and precise. My hands are dependable, reliable, soft, and elite. My footwork and route running allow me to effectively separate from defenders consistently. My thought process going into route running and dealing with defensive backs is on the fly and I make necessary adjustments needed to beat them and get to the designated landmarks on the field. I mainly am a slot but can play outside as well. I am versatile. I am looking to be in the 2024 NFL Draft as more opportunities come.

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

My dad played semi-pro football while in the military, and I would say that I became interested in the game at a young age around 8. We used to watch games together all the time, and at age 8 is when I first played tackle football. At age 6, I played flag football.

What is one thing NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams should know that I am intelligent, I ask questions if I don’t understand a play or concept, I execute to the best of my ability, and if something goes wrong, I will do everything in my power to make it right. I am a leader by example and can be vocally as well. As a teammate and player, you will never have to worry about problems with me off the field or in practice. I am discipline and always work hard and am dedicated to the team’s success.

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

I would create a scholarship fund for athletes who are not on scholarship. I would award a specific scholarship once a year to an athlete that is committed to getting better and who deserves a chance to showcase their skills and should not have to worry about finances while trying to achieve their dreams.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received would be to not let everyone know your goals and dreams and to keep God first in all that I do. There are dream killers and jealous people out there that do not want to see you succeed. That’s why keeping God at the center of everything will allow your path to be straight and abundant.

Who was your childhood hero?

My father. He knew how to handle things when I was young, and he still does to this day with certain circumstances. He is human, but he is wise and understanding. He’s been through a lot, and for him to make it out what he’s been through is inspiring.

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

That would be my boy Terrick Smalls. He was plagued with injuries but always worked hard just like me. They would call us brothers on the team because we literally acted like brothers.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeves are when people do not keep their word, they are not dependable, and they do not give effort in certain situations. The biggest would be when people do not keep their word.

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

The hardest moment in my life I had to overcome is what I am going through currently. My college situation hasn’t been how I would have imagined it, with a Division 1 football program shutting down, then having to sit out for a year, then having covid detriment last season. I have played in some games, but I know my worth and what I am capable of and once I get the. Golden opportunity to continue to showcase my talents, it will be on full display to see. Another situation would be when I tore my PCL and sprained my MCL in my last high school game senior year in the 3^rd round of the playoffs. Got an offer taken away and more schools looked the other way when that happened but I was blessed to still be able to land a Division 1 offer.

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

UNC Charlotte gave me an opportunity when I was looking for one after I left Jacksonville University. Having lived in Charlotte most of my life, I never thought I would go to the city university, but everything happens for a reason. I am going to obtain my BSBA in Finance from this school in May 2022 and will graduate with honors academically. Jacksonville was a decent private Division 1 school, and I learned a lot and met a lot of people that I will cherish and keep in touch with for a long time.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is Chex Mix, cheddar or bold version.

What is the best part of football?

The best part would be the bond with the teammates and certain coaches. These relationships can be forever, and the memories will last forever. Nothing like going far and winning together as well.

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

Joshua Curry is a hardworking, well-raised, accountable, humble, and selfless person that keeps the Lord first and always tries his best in everything he does, no matter the situation or outcome.

If you could compare yourself to one player in the NFL, who would it be?

I would say Jarvis Landry, even though my favorite player is A.J Green. I have the same build and stature of Jarvis, and I am similar in hands and somewhat route running. His techniques and the way he approaches the game is top-notch. He has been underrated for some reason, and I am underrated as well. I feel like I can have 1-2 great seasons in college that will give me the opportunity to play in the NFL. Goal is to be drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Michael Jackson, Stan Lee, and Jerry Rice. The king of pop because he is the world’s greatest entertainer and he seemed like a great person and the impact he had on the world is incomparable. Stan Lee because he created Marvel and Spiderman is my favorite superhero (also why I would like to meet Tobey Maguire), and Jerry Rice, because he is the greatest receiver of all time, and I would want to pick his brain about how I can finish college successfully on the field and make it to the NFL and be the best I can be in the league.