2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dwayne Menders Jr., WR, Duquesne University

• Name: Dwayne Menders Jr.
• Position: WR, PR, and KR
• College: Duquesne University
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 179
• Twitter: @D1DWAYNEEE
• Instagram: @D1_DWAYNEEE

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect in my position in the 2023 NFL Draft is my skill set and football IQ. I standout by running crisp routes and very sure handed. I have a strong suit by creating separation with my speed from defenders. I also have the ability and vision to play more than one position on the field. Being a smooth route runner receiver, punt returner, and kick returner, I have the edge to perform at a higher level coming into the league.

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

At the age of 6 is when I was first interested in football by my grandmother. 

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I am a very hard worker and my football IQ is impeccable.

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

If I could donate one cause into this world would be to start a charity towards student athletes that have encountered or are still going through mental health. I believe mental health is a huge aspect of the game and can make or break you within your career.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice that I was ever given is that “Nothing in life is not given to you. You have to grind and get it yourself.” 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero is my father. My father is my biggest inspiration for being a man.

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

The most underrated teammate in my locker room is Jayden Johnson

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is not giving it all you got in what you do in life. 

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

My hardest moment in my life to overcome is when my grandmother passed away. My grandmother was the reason I started playing football at the age of 6.

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

Duquesne University is a school I call home from being home. The students and athletes around campus are very cheerful and willing to help you with anything you have questions with. This is a university that will make you become a man and get you ready for the real world.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is Barbeque Lays Chips.

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football is that I can go out on the field every day and take advantage of a defender and not get in trouble for it.

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

I am a very enthusiastic athlete with a positive mindset who truly has love for football.

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

If I could compare myself to one player in the NFL it would be a combination of Antonio Brown and Justin Jefferson.

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

If I could have dinner with three people it would be Martin Luther King, Barack Obama, and Lebron James. The individuals above have moved me in ways that I never thought I would be moved in. These individuals are black males who have made a huge change in this world. I would like to sit down and talk to them about how my voice can be a huge aspect in this world and how we can move forward on changing the world for the better.