2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daron Bowles, DB, Wingate University

• Name: Daron Bowles
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: Wingate University 
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: @daron_bowles
• Instagram: @daron_bowles

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

• I am a rare prospect in this draft, because I have the ability to play every position on Special Teams and in the Secondary (Corner, Nickel and Safety). I am fast and very twitchy athlete to stay with WR1 and also have the ability to make open field tackles, Blitz, and play in the box. I am a Safety with Corner feet. I have a high IQ for the game and an effective communicator. 

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

• The day I was born. My father Daryl Bowles played for the Great Lou Holtz in the early 80s at Arkansas. Those were my bedtime stories. 

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

• I can adapt and over come any situation and circumstance. 

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

• I would donate to charities that support public education. I feel strongly that education is the key to success. I have great concerns about the children left behind and the importance of teachers’ impact and value to our children and community. I want to make sure we do not take teachers for granted and every student has all the resources needed to thrive in school K-12.

What is the best advice you have ever received? A scripture in the Bible. Philippians 4:13 

• “I can do all things through Christ with him who gives me strength”

Who was your childhood hero? 

• My Mom has always been my hero. During my childhood (still today), she was always on the move, juggling work and home responsibilities, and somehow seemed to never miss a second with us. Just seeing her get up everyday and bust her butt to make every end meet, I always admired her for making it look so easy. She was like Superwoman! She shaped my mindset and this is why I know what it means to stay committed to the process and always grind. 

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

• Matthew Ellis White. He has the most experience on the team and he does not get the recognition he deserves on the national level, despite being productive and consistent throughout every season. 

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What is your biggest pet peeve? 

• Having a negative mindset and complaining all the time. Talking about something, BUT not taking the action to change it. 

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

• Going to Junior College out of high school from Georgia all the way across the country to California, not knowing anyone sacrificing and chasing my football dreams. Having to adjust to the lack of so much being so many miles from home, while staying on track earning full scholarships from multiple programs. Learning how to be a professional at a young age.

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

• Wingate coaches believed in me and gave me an opportunity to play the game I love. My teammates welcomed me in like family. The appreciation of the students, faculty, fans and the community is very impressive.  

What is your favorite snack food? 

• Apple Sauce and Coconut Water 

What is the best part of football? 

• The never ending knowledge that you can apply to your life on and off the field. You create these everlasting relationships and bonds that will last a lifetime. Relationships that will be so special that some of your coaches and teammates will be in your wedding someday or even named Godfather to your first born. 

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

• Daron Bowles is a young Man of High Character with a football shaped Heart who is Determined to go above the Limit and Change Perceptions.

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

• Kenny Moore, Defensive Back for the Indianapolis Colts. I consider his journey and play to be comparable to mine. His versatility, football IQ and interchangeable skills make him the top candidate to move around the secondary in any position when the need arises. He does big things on the field regardless of the position (Safety, Corner, Rover).

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

1. Muhammad Ali – Mr. Ali was one of the most popular and prominent athlete in the world. I admired his passion for the sport, his confidence to compete, and his commitment to civil rights. I would like to sit and talk with him about his humorous confidence and importance of standing for human rights. 
2. Tony Dungy – Coach Dungy is revered as a Hall of Fame Coach, Mentor and Leader. Dinner with Coach Dungy would be to gain from his wisdom and experiences. I feel he was not only a coach on the field, but a life coach as well. I respect him and being in his presence would be an humbling opportunity to learn and grow.
3. Ed Reed – Reed is a Hall of Famer Defensive Back that I highly admire. Dinner with Ed Reed would be an opportunity to get in the mind of greatness. His style of play is one that I emulate. He plays hard, efficient in execution, and enjoys the grind.