2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: D’Angelo Durham, RB, McNeese State

• Name: D’Angelo Durham
• Position: Running Back
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 205 lbs
• School: McNeese State University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southland Conference
• Twitter: deelo_1k
• Instagram: deelo.1k

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?

Undergrad major: Interdisciplinary Studies 

Grad major: Criminal Justice 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Leading by example – I’m not very vocal but I just get the work done and don’t complain. 

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

I am still figuring out my role because I am new to the school. I can play all four downs either in the slot or out of the backfield. Run, block, and catch are the three main things at my position of course. 

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

Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, both linebackers that played at Miami. 

Artest Banks, LB, Kentucky State 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Deonta McMahon – he is always composed no matter the situation. Sticks to the gameplan. 

Walter Yates – he comes to work everyday and is a great person on and off the field. 

He is at Savannah State 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My run style is what makes me different. I can see a play before it happens in slow motion. I make my moves based off the defenders so they can make themselves “wrong.” 

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

In 2020 when covid first hit we didn’t have a fall season. It was hard not playing football in the fall because it was what I was used to. However, it helped me find my identity and who I am away from the game. 

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

Baseball – I just want to try and out and see how it is. I feel like watching baseball is different from playing it. 

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

I am most proud of being able to overcome multiple forms of adversity. I set a new standard at Savannah State rushing for 1,000 yards in 2019 – nobody had done that in 20 years. 

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

In 2019, the homecoming game vs Albany State we were tied 14 at the half. I had a 68-yard touchdown at the beginning of the second half and the momentum completely shifted. 

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

I model my game after Le’Veon Bell. My favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

The critics get me pumped up because I know I am going to prove them wrong. I take the doubt seriously but transform it into an energy. 

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

In my spare time I like to stretch and play video games – I stay to myself a lot of the time. 

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

I play football because I love the game. I love building bonds and spending time with my teammates. 

My main source of motivation is my family, especially my niece – I want to provide for them and make sure they have everything they want. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m “all in” – when someone takes a chance on me I won’t make them regret it. I love to work and I’m addicted to the grind. 

Other notes: 

Transferred high school going into my junior year. I was heavily recruited senior year but I took too long to make a decision – Savannah State offered me right before signing day and I had a good feeling about it. Saw playing time against UAB and Miami freshman year but was mostly on special teams. Some of our coaches left and I was planning to go to JUCO but instead earned a starting job at Savannah. 2019 was my best season. In 2021 we played the delayed Covid season but I only appeared in one game for that spring campaign. The fall season to me was my true “senior” year, it wasn’t what I expected but still productive nonetheless. We ran the triple-option so more of a pass-focused offense. I entered the portal after our coach at Savannah left – I was there for a while trying to get interest because I only had a year of eligibility remaining. It came down to Western Illinois and McNeese and chose McNeese because of the coaching staff.