2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Carter Duxbury, DL, Winona State

• Name: Carter Duxbury
• Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 240 lbs
• School: Winona State University
• Level: Division II – Northern Sun (NSIC)
• Twitter: carterduxbury
• Instagram: cdux24

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: Elementary Education

Minor: Mid-Level Math

I like working with kids and I have always been a numbers guy. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My best quality is my perseverance, given all the challenges and obstacles I’ve had to overcome throughout my career. I always want to give more. 

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

Last year I had a pretty good time rushing the quarterback. I was in a 3-4 most games as an outside linebacker, but this year I feel more like a defensive end with a new defensive coaching staff in place. 

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

Trey Pipkins, OL, Sioux Falls – wouldn’t let you go anywhere 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Nick Pridgeon, LB

Clay Schueffner, LB

Two good role models and leaders, really set the standard for everyone else in the room 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

Coming from a linebacker background, I am more used to understanding the play from the backfield. Now I am doing more dirty work up front on the line. Being able to identify certain tendencies and packages has allowed me to have a better understanding of the game over the years. 

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

My first two years playing, I suffered a broken foot and torn labrum back-to-back. My knee was also bothering me for a bit. It was a huge mental hurdle because it felt like I was always catching up and never showing off my full range of talent. Simply put, it was very hard to get ahead to where I wanted to be, but training eventually paid off. 

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

Basketball or baseball. 

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

Being a first-team All-American after my medical redshirt year and earning defensive player of the year honors. 

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

Last year against Mankato, they were trying to put up a hail mary at the end of the game. I had a strip-sack which resulted in a turnover, giving us the win. 

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

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant 

He really helps me with the mental side of things as opposed to the physical nature of being an athlete. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

I listen to some Eminem, especially the Recovery album. 

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

I like doing anything outdoors – camping, hunting, fishing, etc. 

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

Football has been something I’ve always enjoyed since I first touched the ball. My family motivates me because they made a lot of sacrifices to get me to where I am now. They have supported me through thick and thin. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

My ability to work hard and not give up – it may sound simple but I will not let anyone outwork me. Perseverance, determination, and drive have continued to elevate me and get me to better places.  

Other notes: 

I started playing varsity sophomore year of high school – we won the state championship. In junior year I started getting some Division III looks, but Winona State and Upper Iowa were the two offers that I really took seriously. My first time truly playing at full strength was in 2021.