Kiante Northington is an athletic, rangey defensive back who spent the majority of his Eastern Kentucky career occupying the safety position. His 4.55 40 yard dash time at his pro day and 9″9 broad jump show that he has the raw athleticism to make an impact at the next level.
His tape shows that he certainly has the skills for it. Multiple games over 15 tackles in 2016, and a pick-six against Pikeville shows that he’s able to make plays across the board. A utility player for any secondary and a special teams contributor, Northington will be an asset for any team in the NFL moving forward.
LastWordonProFootball sat down with him for his thoughts on the NFL Draft and his college career.
Exclusive Interview with Eastern Kentucky’s Kiante Northington
It must be pretty surreal, preparing for the NFL draft. how has the process been for you?
“Surreal is a perfect word for this whole process because it’s something you’ve been dreaming about all your life and now the opportunity is right in front of you. The process has been a bit stressful but fun at the same time because at the end of the day it’s something you love doing and you’re working out and grinding everyday for this opportunity. A bit stressful because I’m not a big school prospect so everything I do matters.”
You mention coming from a small school, but Eastern Kentucky has seen a few players to go to the pros in recent years. Most notably, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Noah Spence. Have you been able to get any advice from him about the process?
“He gave me a little advice, told me to just put my head down and grind and when I get an opportunity just show what I can do. It would be amazing to be able to join him because he’s always had faith in me and just to see both of us accomplish a goal we talked about would be great.”
What would it mean to you to make it to the NFL?
“It’s always been a goal of mine so it would mean a lot. Ever since I started playing football at the age of 7, playing in the NFL had always been my dream. I know a couple players in the league and I just want to get to where they are.”
You took an interception to the house this season, to those who have never played football, what’s that feeling like?
“It’s a great feeling being able to score in a college game and just being able to score on defense is a rare thing.”
You’ve established yourself as a solid punt returner in the last two years. do you think that being effective on two units helps you gain attention from scouts?
“Yeah I think so. The more I can do on special teams, that’s more I can bring to a team, so the scouts not only see me as a defensive back but also as a returner.”
Is there anybody’s game that you see some of yourself in?
“A Little bit of Tyrann Mathieu. Just because he can play multiple positions, and I’ve played corner, nickel, and safety and I’ve been pretty successful at playing at all 3 positions.”
Do you have a position you prefer playing, or feel more natural in?
“One part of my game that I’m proud of would be my coverage skills, I feel like I can cover TE, slots and receivers.”
Can you describe how your family have supported you throughout your football journey?
“They have always supported me through it all. The ups and the downs and the good and bad and they always have believed in my abilities and knew what I was capable of so they’ve always pushed me to be the best I could be.”
What would you say is the one thing you’ve learned from them growing up?
“One thing I learned from them is that no matter what you do somebody is always watching.”
What is the coolest thing that playing football has allowed you to do?
“Football has allowed me to meet new people from all over the world and meet life long friends. It’s also allowed me to travel and see new places.”
If you could be a part of any secondary from history, which would you choose and why?
“Probably the Seattle Seahawks from like two years ago. Because each player went out there with swagger and confidence and performed.”
On the flip side, who is the one current WR you’d enjoy competing with?
“Antonio Brown, he’s just an all around good receiver.”
Everybody dreams of that NFL pay check, what are you going to do when you get yours?
“The first thing Ima do is pay off my mothers house and get me a new car.”
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