2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matt Dean, LB, York University

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

My versatility. I’ve played Sam backer most of my career where I was covering slot receivers and playing in a lot of space most of the time,  but my last year I moved to Mac backer and found a new home playing between the tackles and banging in the box.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I first started getting interested in football when I got to high school in grade 9 and joined the team there. From then on I fell in love with the sport and started focusing a lot on football.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I’m a relentless competitor. I give everything I got when I step on the field and I back down from no one.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

It would be to “jumpstart” or similar initiatives which aim to support kids by allowing them equal access to sports programs and clubs so they can be active if they want to. I think sports are a great thing for kids and they teach a lot of lessons so having that access is important in my opinion.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“I know I’m going to get got, but I’m going to get mine more then I get got though”. – Marshawn Lynch

I really like this quote because when it comes to football or any sport you’re never going to win your matchup 100% of the time but in essence, you gotta tip your cap if a guy makes a play and just come back and make more then they are and ‘get yours’.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My grandad. Spent a lot of time with him growing up and he got me interested in a lot of things I still enjoy doing.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

#8 JJ Messier

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Being late.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The death of my grandma was tough for me. We spent a lot of time together and she would drive me to my sports a lot so that was a tough one to overcome.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

It’s given me the opportunity to make lifelong friendships and be the place where I have grown and evolved as a football player and man.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Beef Jerky.

What is the best part of football? 

Making Plays. There’s a lot that goes into football behind the scenes leading up to gameday so when it all culminates into making a big play there’s no better feeling.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

If you’re looking for a dawg whos gonna compete and give you everything he’s got look no further.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Lavonte David is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker and plays tough.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Luke Keuchly, Ray Lewis, Sean Taylor. They’re all great football players and it would be a good time to talk about the ball.