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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Payton Conrad, DB, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Payton Conrad the versatile defensive back from Minnesota State University-Mankato recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of NFL Draft Diamonds
Payton Conrad the versatile defensive back from Minnesota State University-Mankato recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of NFL Draft Diamonds
  • Name: Payton Conrad
  • Position: DB
  • College: Minnesota State University-Mankato
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 200 lbs
  • Twitter: @PConrad_12
  • Instagram: @Payton_Conrad

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

My dad introduced me to the game at a young age and ever since I can remember it was the game I loved. I played all sports growing up but I always gravitated to the physical nature and competitive atmosphere that football provided.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Meeting and developing life lasting relationships with all my teammates and coaches from high school to St. Cloud State and now here at Mankato has been the best part, but leading my high school to the first state championship appearance in school history was pretty cool.

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

Walter Payton would be at the top of my list. Being a lifelong Bears fan, his style of play and character has always been one that I idolized as well the fact that is who I was named after.

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

Natural leadership with a never say never attitude. I bring an intense focus that comes from practicing with intention each and every snap.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Every family member means the world to me and without their support I couldn’t play the game I love. My dad has had the biggest influence on my love for the game starting with coaching me back in youth football.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

Our base quarters defense. I get to be involved in the run and pass on any given play along with the fact the entire defense has a great understanding of our keys and reads which allows us to play fast.

What should we know about Payton Conrad the person?

He’s a God-fearing, small-town kid who is gonna work his butt off to be successful in any situation he finds himself in.

What stands out about your film the most?

My physicality and ability to diagnose and recognize plays.

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

Coach Glogowski has a great saying he uses with the team a lot, “Don’t pray for the opportunity, pray your ready when the opportunity comes.” I believe in over-preparing prior to any situation I might find stressful both on and off the field and when the time comes I fall back on my preparation.

What would a team get in a player like you?

An intelligent player with all the physical tools to make any play on the field. I’m a natural born leader and team-first player with a work ethic that is unmatched.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Minnesota State-Mankato?

The coaches and players all have the the singular goal of going 1-0 every week. The school does it’s best to provide all the resources we need to be successful and the community support is next level.

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

I’ve had the blessing to play with a lot of great players in my time here and don’t want to leave anyone out but off the top of my head this year is our senior middle linebacker Trent Carpenter. He’s a no nonsense, Carhartt-type of guy who is the glue to our defense. He’s highly intelligent and rarely makes a mistake. He does a great job of getting our front 7 lined up and where they need to be.

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