2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Maxwell Worship, DB, Vanderbilt University

• Name: Maxwell Worship
• Position: DB
• College: Vanderbilt University
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 210 lbs
• Twitter: @WorshipMax
• Instagram: @mxworship

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

Honestly growing up my parents exposed me to every recreational activity and sport they possibly could as a kid. I played almost every sport you could think of as a kid but I fell in love with football. Mainly because of the camaraderie, competitiveness and violence that came with it all. My dad is a Philadelphia Eagles fan and would also take me to Dolphins games growing up so I fell In love with certain players and the way how they played the game and the passion that was exhibited in their style of play.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to continue to grow and become the best player I possibly can be. I want to continue to overcome and persevere. Not only just for myself but my teammates and future teammates I may play with, and to inspire kids growing up that anything is possible. I also want to end my collegiate career on a great note becoming bowl eligible and winning a bowl game. I aim to have a successful professional career moving forward and contribute in a multitude of ways.

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

Probably Walter Payton. I revered him as the best football player/running back to play the game growing up. I would just like to pick his brain and understand who he is to his core.

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

I would probably say my sister. Her work ethic and all that she has achieved is inspiring in itself. Graduating from Harvard Law school then working as a lawyer for the NBA and slowly building herself up in New York is just something that inspires me.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

In high school, I would say getting my first pick 6 versus a Miami team in my junior year. My senior year of high school would probably be dancing in the locker room during a blowout game (that we won) at halftime. In college I would say blocking a punt my freshmen year versus Ole Miss and beating them in 2018. Getting my first interception last year against Missouri. The week we spent in Hawai’i leading up to one of my best performances this year was a favorite. And beating Florida last week, seeing all my teammates and coaches happy was a favorite as well. My whole family graduated from UF and I’ve always wanted to beat them so that was a goal I wrote down going into this last season.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

4-2-5 is probably my favorite. Not only is it the scheme that I’ve been the past 2/3 years, but I’m bias in thinking usually the most talented and versatile group of players on the defensive side of the ball are the defensive backs/safeties. And depending on what position it is it just allows for certain players in certain positions to do a lot of different things to impact the game in a lot of different ways. Whether that’s blitzing, dropping into coverage manned up on a TE or playing the post. But I also love quarters coverage, and man free.

What should we know about Maxwell Worship the person?

Maxwell Worship is a multifaceted human being. Who also works extremely hard. And is very loyal. But puts passion into everything he does and acknowledges everyone that comes his way. He was also raised by two great parents Victoria and Sean Worship.

What stands out about your film the most?

My physicality and aggression at the point of attack. My communication, and how precise I am as a player. Being able to recognize what an offense is trying to do before they do it and then attacking. Being assignment and technically sound as well.

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

I receive guidance through my mentors and family. I’m big on faith so I also pray and meditate. I also just take a step back to remove my emotions from situations understanding perspectives and why I feel how I feel. Not looking back on the past only moving forward and controlling what I can control. Staying neutral in all of it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone who’s bought in and consistent in his process that will also lead by example and lead in general. Someone who is unwavering but also extremely passionate and recycles positive energy. Someone who is able to withstand hard times and stick things out and be resilient through it all.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

You create a bond like no other with your teammates. And what you learn in the game of football is applicable to life itself.

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

I would say Jaylen Mahoney. Probably the most versatile player. Able to play pretty much any defensive back position at a very high level.