NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Wes Dothard, LB, Tennessee – Chattanooga

wesDraft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Wes Dothard, LB, Tennessee – Chattanooga

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Just a few small schools. Tennessee at Chattanooga, Coastal Carolina University

Where did you choose and why?

I chose the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga because it was close to home. They had hired a whole new coaching staff with the head coach coming from Richmond University who had just won a National Championship at Richmond. Also my older brother attended UTC and played football at that time so it was cool following in my brother footsteps.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My goals were to help my team win a conference championship and get into the playoffs. Also, I wanted to win a national championship and be an all conference player.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

Just a few; They told me to keep working hard and show up for pro day with my body in good shape and have a good pro day.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I think my instincts separates me from a lot of players. I recognize things that the average player at my position might not recognize. My relentless effort pursuing the ball also separates me from others at my position. I want to make every play on the field no matter where the ball is and where it is going.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

I look at offensive lineman stances and their splits. I look at what the offense likes to do
consistently and try to pick up small keys that might help me recognize what I am getting  hat play. I also look at how physical the offense is on perimeter plays. I look at how the offense blocks and look for if they have their heads on the swivel which might lead me to shoot gaps and get in the backfield quick.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Cam Newton the year Auburn won the national championship.

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

I really have not compared myself to any player but if I had to pick it would be Ray Lewis because he is my favorite player of all time and I have always tried to play just like him.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Probably ACL surgery in high school; I put in a lot handwork at rehab and in the summer just trying to get my knee stronger and back to how it was before the injury.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I would say a 4-3 defense. I played it in high school and in college and that’s the type of defense I am familiar with.

What is your biggest strength?

My instincts and my ability to get off and shed blocks.

What is your biggest weakness?

Probably wanting to make every play on the field and attacking to much instead of just letting the game come natural to me.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I want to be great. I want to come in and take someone’s job. I set tremendously high goals and I work my butt off to achieve them. I want to prove wrong everybody who ever said I wasn’t good enough and that I wouldn’t amount to anything. I have had a chip on my shoulder most my life which allows me to strive to be great. I have God on my side so go ahead and doubt me. Give me a chance to prove you wrong.

Growing up, who was your role model?

All my older cousins and brother; I wanted to be just like them but better.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

The Falcons because I am from Georgia. Ray Lewis is my favorite player of all time because he is great. When you mention the Baltimore Ravens you cant help but to mention number 52.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

My grandmother passing away was the most tragic thing that has ever happened to me in my life. The day she died I had a basketball game and my coach told me and my brother we did not have to play that day but we did because we knew that’s what my grandmother would want. Me and my brother  stood out in that game and I knew it was because she was watching over us.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

My grandmother, Ray Lewis, and the love of my life Beyonce.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

I wouldn’t buy anything. I would put it in my savings account to remind me what position I am currently in and how at anytime that could be my last paycheck ever.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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