NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dante Hendrix, WR, Indiana State

Dante Hendrix is a big physical receiver for Indiana State's offense. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Dante Hendrix is a big physical receiver for Indiana State’s offense. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Dante Hendrix
  • Height: 6’2”
  • Weight: 208 lbs.
  • Position: WR
  • College: Indiana State University
  • Twitter: D_Hendrix8
  • Instagram: d_hendrix4

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?
My experience has been truly phenomenal. My professors truly cared. They respected our time and commitment as student athletes. I graduated Spring of 2021 with a Business Management degree and a minor in Human Capital Management. I will be completing my MBA this fall. I’m also a representative on the Division 1 NCAA Council where we discuss some of the developments over the years including game rules and the onset of NIL contracts.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They know that I am very accountable. I show up and do the work that is asked of me. I’m very consistent. I’ve been a team captain for over 2 years. I’m a leader both on and off the field.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m one of the leaders that many players look up to. I can also be vocal and take control. As a receiver, I stretch the field and make contested catches. I’m a big, physical body of a receiver who’s an effective blocker. We are fairly run-heavy with our program, and I’m expected to be willing and able to block. I move around as a receiver, playing inside at slot or outside. I’ve also been a very consistent punt returner.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
One of my toughest battles was up against Omar Brown at Northern Iowa. He’s a very physical player who went on to be an All-American and transferred up to Nebraska.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
We have a young team with many up-and-coming players. LB Geoffrey Brown is a very hard worker who flies around. He always gets a hat on the ball. Jose Vazquez is a solid member of our OL. He’s a very physical blocker.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Being off a year due to the pandemic and also not playing the spring season, there was a lot of anticipation coming into the 2021 season. I had a lot of time to get my mind and body right. Yet, unfortunately during our first game, I was tackled awkwardly and suffered a foot injury. That was a heartbreaker because I had high expectations that season and really wanted to play. I had the option of undergoing surgery and ending my season or waiting for it to heal on its own, hoping to play some games towards the end. I decided to opt out of surgery. It was very tough and challenging at first, but it was a grind that I was willing to persevere through. I put in a lot of training and rehab. While I was healing, my coaches still allowed me to travel with the team. I felt that it spoke volumes because they knew that I could still be a leader and motivator from the sidelines. Within a couple months, I was able to hit the field again. I wasn’t fully at 100%, but I was able to have a 10 reception, 121 yard game with a touchdown against Missouri State first game back. Being injured gave some perspective that I can’t take football for granted. I will also give it my all as long as I’m able to play.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Probably basketball. I played basketball my whole life, playing AAU ball. I also went to the state championships my senior year in high school.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m proud of being a successful student athlete. I’ve already obtained my undergrad with a 3.5 GPA, and I’ll get my Master’s soon. I’ve achieved a lot in my time here. I was named a Freshman All-American and received All-Conference Honors. I’ve been a team captain for 2+ years which speaks highly of how I’m viewed by others. I’ve also been part of a great turnaround in our program. When I came in as a true freshman, the team suffered a devastating 0-11 season. We’ve built on that and have become a 7-4 team.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In 2018, we were at home against South Dakota. It was a high scoring game, and we ended up going into triple overtime. I had a great catch for a touchdown in the first overtime. Our defense held them to a field goal for their last outing, and when we came out for our try, I was able to catch the game winning touchdown. I had 11 receptions for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns in that game.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a big fan of Lebron James. He’s a great person and one of the best to ever play. He’s had great longevity and has shown how to be a professional. He’s given a lot back to the community which speaks about his character.

I’m a Bengals fan. I think Tyler Boyd is very underrated. He’s a great receiver who is very consistent and reliable. He’s able to get open and make some great plays.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Rod Wave and Drake are some of the artists I like to listen to. March Madness by Future is a good song to listen to before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chipotle.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Some of my favorite movies are Coach Carter and the Blindside. One of my favorite actors is Adam Sandler.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like being outdoors and staying active. I picked up golf over the pandemic and have enjoyed playing it with friends.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love it. You really shouldn’t do something that you don’t really love. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about this game. Sports have been a huge part of my life, having 4 older brothers that have played football, and my dad also played at Idaho State. My family motivates me. I enjoy making them proud. My mom has been suffering from illness as of late, and I love being able to bring her a lot of joy.

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