Name: Josiah McDermit
School: Concordia University Wisconsin
Position: DB
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 218
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Some goals I set for myself this final year was to lead my team in interceptions which was 5, and also I wanted to be first team all-conference for the 3rd time in a row. I accomplished both of these goals which was very important to me.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took advantage of this extra year of eligibility to just expand my knowledge as a player, I learned more about myself and my opponents as I watched more game film and practice film. Doing this helped me perform better in my games, and understand opposing teams offenses.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I think my coaches and teammates would say that I’m just an athlete. There is some things that just come natural to people and playing football is one of those things for me. I think they would also say that I’m a joy to be around, I’m constantly laughing and enjoying myself at practice, on bus rides, and at lifts. I bring an element of joy and happiness around people and I really think it’s a super contagious personality of mine and it makes the atmosphere of our football team more joyful.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Watching film is one thing I have always taken very seriously, I know that there’s some kids who just turn it on and let it play as they do other things. But I truly like to turn it on and watch, I watch everything from the quarterbacks technique, the wide receivers splits, and the tempo of ball fakes. All these things can really help a defensive back succeed immensely, and film is one thing I’ve never taken for granted. It’s basically a cheat sheet for an exam and it’s one of the most helpful ways to better yourself as a player and a coach.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think my size and my athleticism really separates me from other pro Prospects, being 6’2” and nearly 220 pounds it can make me very versatile as a football player. I can see myself making a transition back to the offensive side of the ball playing TE or making the transition to a safety position. I can set myself aside from a lot of other players because of my versatility and I think that’s what really sets me apart from other pro prospects.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
Me and my strength and conditioning coach have been working since the last game of the year basically on everything, from defensive back drills to getting faster and more explosive in the weight room. I plan to keep training like this and intensifying my work load as I get closer to my pro-day.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I think my personality really sets me apart from other players on and off the field, I’m a very joyful kid as I said earlier. Bringing a lot of fun to the game and to other team activities, some other things that really set me apart would be my ball skills, I have a knack for finding the football and reading the quarterback. It’s been something I have always been good at, even in Basketball I have always been great at reading the ball handlers eyes and stealing passes.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
There is real talent in division 3 football and I don’t think that there is enough attention on guys and players often get overlooked by the division they play in. I just got back from Orlando Florida playing in the FBS bowl, and there was mostly division one players out there. Being one of like 7 total d3 players to get invited is a really awesome blessing and it should show that there is real talent in d3 and all I need and other smaller school guys need is a chance.