2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zadok Esters, DB, Mississippi College

• Name: Zadok Esters
• Position: Cornerback/Safety
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 200 lbs
• School: Mississippi College
• Level: Division II – Gulf South Conference (GSC)
• Twitter: zadokesters
• Instagram: zadokesters

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?

Major: Business Administration

Dean’s list student on the honor roll 

Extracurriculars: Christian fellowship association – also did it at SFA 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I’m an outgoing and positive team player – winning comes first and I don’t like to lose. I’m hoping our school can go to the championship this year and I am one of the few older students that can lead. They see me as a very passionate and hard-working person when it comes to football. 

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

I’m in more of a leadership role than I was compared to last year when we had more older guys. I will be playing more of a nickel back position where in previous years I played high safety. I consider myself to be both a hybrid and lockdown defensive back all around. 

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

Demetrius Battle, RB, West Alabama

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

On defense – Calvin Sims and David Brown. Calvin has true cornerback instincts and has potential to go to the league. David Brown is more of a hybrid defensive back like myself. 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My ability to play multiple positions in the secondary or even closer to the defensive line makes me a valuable athlete. 

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

I tore part of my meniscus and missed my entire senior season of high school, I didn’t get a lot of looks until I returned for the playoffs and got interest from some Division II schools. 

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

Track – I ran track for six years between middle and high school. I got a lot of my speed from there. 

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

At this point I’m glad to have gotten this far in college as both a student and an athlete – I have always been somewhat overlooked and people told me I wasn’t good enough. It also felt great and spoke volumes to have graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

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

My most memorable play was getting my first interception last year – it really showed my talent in a different way. 

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

My favorite athlete is Richard Sherman. I grew up watching him and knew I wanted to be a cornerback. I was also looking at Kam Chancellor since both guys were on the Seahawks. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

The opportunity to compete – I’ve always been a competitive person with everything I do and now that I play college football, I don’t take a single thing for granted. 

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

In my spare time I work out quite a lot. I also like to watch movies – I’m somewhat of a movie critic. I play video games, especially Madden and 2K. I was in an EA Sports tournament for those games last year.

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

Football was a game that allowed me to be myself. I lived in Germany for half of my life and coming to the states allowed me to discover a true passion. This sport has brought a lot of love to myself and my teammates. 

My grandmother is my biggest source of inspiration. I’m playing for her as he passed away before my senior season. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I believe to be a true diamond in the rough – I have always been doubted and I needed to come back from a lot of things. The NFL needs to know I am able to persevere and work harder than almost anyone else. 

Other notes:

Played at Mansfield Legacy High School – I was originally a receiver and defensive back. Enjoyed defense more than offense but they wanted me at receiver. In sophomore year I made the transition to defensive back, we got a new coach who moved me up to varsity for the junior year. Senior year I also played a little linebacker coming back from the previously mentioned torn meniscus. Originally went to Stephen F. Austin (Division I FCS) and played there for three seasons, saw a lot of special teams action in sophomore and junior year. I transferred to Mississippi College because I wanted to play on defense more and SFA had a lot of coaching changes/transition going on. One of the SFA coaches happened to end up at Mississippi College so he recruited me and made things a bit easier.