NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Titus Leo, DE/LB, Wagner College

Titus Leo is an instinctive, ruthless edge rusher at Wagner College. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Titus Leo
  • Height: 6’4”
  • Weight: 254 lbs.
  • Position: DE/OLB
  • College: Wagner College
  • Twitter: LeoTitus10
  • Instagram: titus_royal

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?
I graduated in 3 ½ years with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Journalism. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration with an MBA in Accounting. As part of my Sociology major, I participated in a study of African American and Liberian interactions in the Park Hill Community in Staten Island.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my best quality is my leadership. I am a 2-time team captain and have the ability to be vocal and execute tasks. I also get the group together and help them understand their job description.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
When I first came to Wagner I was recruited as a wide receiver. Although, after working with NFL talent like Cam Gill and Chris Williams, I shifted to the defensive side to be an edge rusher. Coming into the 2021 season, as one of the veterans, I was forced into a leadership role. Always being vocal and someone that was going to speak up, that role became natural to me.

We’ve changed our defense 3 times since I’ve been here, having 3 different defensive coordinators. I’ve played in multiple schemes typically as the edge rusher. I’ve been the Sam linebacker in a 3-4 and the DE in a 4-3. Our head coach also likes to run a lot of 3-3-5 defense. I’m an all-around player and understand my assignment and the playbook. I feel that my versatility and competitive nature set me apart from other prospects. I’m also a big special teams guy. I love playing kickoffs, running downfield, hitting someone, and setting the tone for the game.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Fordham QB Tim DeMorat is one of the best players that I’ve ever faced. He’s the most talented QB that I have studied. He has the ability to push the football downfield and effortlessly throws the ball. He’s been the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year multiple times.

Titus Leo is an instinctive, ruthless edge rusher at Wagner College.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I played with Chris Williams on the 2018 and 2019 roster. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot. He was a very explosive player with quick hand movements. Also, his understanding of the game really helped to his advantage.

Linebacker Tre Vallar is an underrated player on our roster. He does his job very well. He’s one of the most reliable players on our team

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During freshman year, I had a knee injury ending my season. I had surgery which was quick and easy. I was ready to play Spring ball. Yet, things weren’t right at the time. I wasn’t moving like I used to. I had a voice in my head telling me that I wasn’t ready and made excuses when I wouldn’t win my reps. I was in a bad mental state and wasn’t living up to my own expectations.

Our coaches tried speaking with me although I learned the most from my teammate Chris Williams. Being around him helped elevate my confidence. I trained with him over the summer and developed a competitive nature that has stuck with me since. When fall came around, I worked my way up the depth chart and earned the trust of my coaches. I’ve since taken advantage of every moment I’ve had on the field and haven’t thought twice about the injury I once had.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Maybe boxing. I really enjoy the sport and also use it in my training to be a better DE. I’m also a fan of MMA fighter John Jones. Other sports that I played in high school include basketball, volleyball and track & field.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of being a role model for the kids at my high school. Many of them have aspirations to play football, and I’ve continued to stay connected with them.

Some of my football accolades include being a 2-time Conference Defensive Player of the Year, 2-time Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, and 2-time All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In 2018, I was able to get a pick 6 against Central Connecticut at their stadium. We were in cover 3. I was the seam curl flat defender. They ran a bubble screen to the 3 receiver. Reading the play from the start, the ball fell right in my lap. I sprinted to the endzone and threw up a salute. Cam Gill was the first guy there to celebrate with me, tapping me on the helmet.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Von Miller is my favorite defensive player. I’ve been a fan of the Denver Broncos since watching Von Miller and Tim Tebow. I love Miller’s ability to rush the passer and how he’s been versatile and so successful throughout his career. I also enjoy watching Nick and Joey Bosa. Being coached by Larry Johnson at Ohio State has really given them an edge. They are able to execute at a very high level.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artists are J.Cole and Juice WRLD. J. Cole’s song “Middle Child” is a song I like to listen to before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom’s mac & cheese.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I really enjoy the Harry Potter movie series. Some of my favorite TV shows include the Blacklist and Mr. Robot.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I have built 7 different computers, and I also enjoy playing video games.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I’ve developed a very competitive nature over the years, and I want to be the best at everything I do whether that’s in the weight room, studying film or the playbook and being the fastest on the field.

My mom is my biggest motivation. She took care of 4 kids and put in a lot of sacrifices over the years for all of us. Her love and dedication as a mother motivate me to be the best that I can.

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