2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Freddie McGee III, DB, Eastern Michigan University

• Name: Freddie McGee III
• Position: Defensive Back/Athlete
• College: Eastern Michigan
• Height: 5’8
• Weight: 175 lbs
• Twitter: @__FM3__
• Instagram: @__FM3__

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

A mixture of physical and mental traits. Physically, my closing speed, footwork, and competitiveness are what seem to be my strong points of my game that may separate me from others. Mentally, just knowing and understanding the game of football. Whether it be formations, route concepts, techniques, or situations, I am a true student of the game and very intentional about my craft.

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

When I was about four years old, a football was put into my hands for the first time ever by my father and my Uncle Charlie Batch, who at the time was the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions. I grew up watching games in the Silverdome and enjoyed the games so much that I wanted to be a part of them. I first started playing flag football at the age of five and immediately fell in love with the game. It may have been due to my success at an early age, but I just knew I could go far with the game of football.

What is one thing NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I am a second-generation walk-on who followed in the footsteps of his father, who also walked on and earned a scholarship. I am a product of two Division I athletes. My mother played basketball at Eastern Michigan, while my dad played football and ran track at Eastern Michigan. Hard work and humility are things that run in my family.

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

I would donate to a mental health charity of some sort. This is because mental health is something that is often overlooked, especially amongst men.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received was to just stay humble, never settle for average, and to go harder even when I think I’ve accomplished something.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was my father. He always kept it real with me and would always put things in perspective for me. Having already been where I wanted to go, he would prepare me for some of the obstacles that may have come throughout my journey. He has taught me how to deal with adversity.

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

The most underrated player in my locker room is Defensive End, Jose Ramirez. He is by far the hardest worker and most dedicated player on the roster who also produces on the field. He does not get the recognition he deserves, in my opinion.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve would have to be when people are late, especially when on a tight schedule.

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

The hardest moment in my life that I had to overcome was trying to scratch and claw my way up the depth chart my first few years in college. Starting as a walk on, you are placed at the bottom of the barrel. I always knew what I was capable of, so I just put my head down and worked through all the trials and tribulations that come with walking on to a division I college. This was something was not easy whatsoever, but I stayed persistent for two years straight and was finally rewarded with a scholarship. Even after that, I never lost my drive.

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

Eastern Michigan is pretty much where I was born and raised. If you look from Rynearson Stadium, where we play our football games, you can see the hospital in which I was born. This school is also special to me because it is the alma mater of both my parents. Both my parents played sports here and I am a product of both of them. I was able to wear the jersey #7 just like my dad did back in the 90’s. It is also very special to me because it is the only school that gave me the opportunity to live out my dream of playing division I football.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food would have to be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

What is the best part of football?

I would say the best part of football is watching the film and learning from it. I am someone who benefits from both my good reps and my bad reps. I look forward to film sessions as a way to critique myself and make adjustments accordingly. Watching film is something that has become essential in my development as a player. It’s gotten to a point where I want everything recorded, even if I’m just going to get extra drill work by myself. This is because I am always looking for ways to perfect my craft even more. I often know what mistakes I make before I even watch the film, so it is easier for me to adjust and make sure I do not make the same mistake twice.

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

I am a living example of persistence, blue-collar, and humility.

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

I would compare myself to Darius Williams of the Los Angeles Rams. He does not have the ideal stature of an NFL Cornerback, standing at just 5’9. However, the mental part of the game as well as technique compromises for that lack of size. Understanding route concepts and being able to anticipate where Wide Receivers are going to be, puts us in perfect position to make plays. We are also both smaller, and quicker guys who are able to get in and out of breaks much quicker than longer guys. We can use this low center of gravity to our advantage in meeting Wide Receivers out of the break.

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

I would have dinner with Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Kobe Bryant. Each of these men are iconic role models in the African American demographic. I would want to pick the brains of each of these men and learn more about their leadership styles and how they were able to overcome disadvantages and achieve the accolades they have today.