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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cam Preston, DT, Incarnate Word

Cam Preston the standout defensive tackle from Incarnate Word recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds.
Cam Preston the standout defensive tackle from Incarnate Word recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds.

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?

Major: Kinesiology

Minor: Education and History

Extracurricular: Helping out other sports programs and assisting elementary school students (PE classes specifically)

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My work ethic and leadership. I try my best to lead by example – I want to help younger guys become the best DI athletes.  

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I would like to be a swiss army knife – get sacks and disrupt the quarterback. Four-down front is my best fit but can play all positions on the defensive line. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Cole Kelley, QB, Southeastern Louisiana – great pocket presence and can throw with anyone in his face 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Isaiah Paul – Linebacker 

Sam Latham – Defensive end that’s starting to mature

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Senior year of high school my house burned down. Biggest tragedy of my life – hard having to lose everything and start from scratch. Fortunately my community came together and helped pull us out of that hard time.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Definitely basketball. Basketball was my first sport – still got some gas left in the tank

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Passing my teacher certification exam – hard work and studying pays off!

Athletically, receiving first team all-conference last season (second-team all-conference the season before)

Past season team won southland conference – also a notable achievement 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Fourth down stop against Nicholls – got a TFL, turnover on downs in the fourth quarter 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Aaron Donald – best to ever do it at the defensive line position, team has to model their game plan around stopping him. I want to do the same for whichever team I go to. Knowledge of your own defense is important too – expanse of formations and dissecting the offense. I gained similar skills from college in preparation for the NFL.

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

I just love playing football – performing well with my brothers and “going to war”

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I have a PS5 – on the game frequently. I also watch movies/TV and listen to music.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

Football is the sport with the most competition. Opened many doors for me – paid for college and allowed me to make lifelong friends. There’s nothing else I would rather be doing. My family motivates me and I want to compete for them. 

Other notes:

Treating everything with priority – “like a pro job because I want to get to the NFL”

Work ethic is a great characteristic – time off during COVID helped improve overall mindset as a player and a person 

High school journey was different – went to a smaller 5A program, always decent and in the loop. Got to varsity in freshman year – hung around the older guys to gain more experience and have a lot of leaders. Milton Williams, DT, Philadelphia Eagles – former teammate and mentor. Junior year was our most successful campaign. 

College – freshman year we won conference at UIW, some guys from that team went to NFL camps. First time the team had been good in a while. Big learning experience for me to make the jump from high school. Had more older guys to learn from. 

Evan Willsmore

18 y/o writer and scout - just trying to give players an opportunity and the recognition they deserve. Fan of all things football.

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