2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah McDaniels, DB, University of South Dakota

• Name: Isaiah McDaniels
• Position: DB
• College: University of South Dakota
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 190 lbs
• Twitter: @McDanielIsaiah
• Instagram: @zay22__

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My father he played football growing up in New Jersey and also the area I am in San Diego really breeds athletes and my mom is friends with Reggie Bush’s mom, he played prep in San Diego as well and that’s what made me want to do this sport all these years.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Youth level it was when I was in 8th grade All American in San Diego and going to Kissimmee, Florida to play. In high school winning a state championship my senior year of high school and at South Dakota beating South Dakota State in 2019.

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

My attention to detail, my fundamentals and my IQ for the game. The way I approach the game is different than most and I try to perfect my craft and get better everyday. I am also very versatile so I feel like along with my IQ I would be a huge addition to any team or organization.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

A very inspiring and passionate type of energy. The way I play the game is with all of me my spirit, passion, love for the game and my teammates feel that whether it’s in practice, film room or game.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Sean Taylor, not only for the type of player he was and how electric he was but also because of him as a person. I feel like we are very similar as a person and we also share the same birth date April 1st.

How do you prepare for games?

Starts at the beginning of the week on monday with my gameplan and doing recovery work and treatment to prevent injury and I pray alot and do self care so when it comes to gameday I rely on my fundamentals and practices. So I don’t have to worry and make my mind right before gameday.

What should we know about Isaiah McDaniels the person?

First and foremost high character guy, excellent work ethic, leader and a advocate and leader for the guys coming up and in the community.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

Cover 2, as a deep back safety because you have to have enough speed and skill to master the craft of cover 2 coverage.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I think of everything as not how hard you get hit but how you get hit and keep going so it’s about how you respond to adversity either way.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A great teammate first and foremost and a guy who is going to be bought in from day one and put the team first and foremost.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Most importantly having a healthy season. So spring season was cut short and I had injuries last season so I’m looking for a healthy season and hopefully winning a championship in my last year at South Dakota.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Jonathan Joanis, we came in the same year in 2017 and I’ve never seen anyone work harder than him and the way he approaches every single day. His work ethic is unmatched.