Grambling State’s hard hitting safety is coming out of college having helped his team to the 2017 SAWC Championship. He is not going to be the first Tiger called this year however, with team mate Chad Williams being selected with the 98th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals.
Stallworth is an impressive tackler and has a nose for the ball. Registering seven pass defenses and one interception in 2016. Lastwordonprofootball.com sat down with him, to get his take on the NFL Draft process and his college career.
Exclusive Interview with Grambling State’s Guy Stallworth
How have you found the process of preparing for the NFL Draft?
“It’s been a great experience to even have my name in the mix, whether it’s drafted or as an undrafted free agent. I would say I have learnt a lot about myself, because I feel like just because I’m at a smaller school, I don’t get the same respect as guys in the SEC or ACC. But I haven’t quit yet nor complained just remained humble and thanked god for it all.”
What are you planning to do over the draft weekend itself?
“Just sit by the phone at the house and play the waiting game, don’t think I’m going to watch (the draft) though.”
Obviously, you played your college career at Grambling State and won a championship last season, do you think this experience has set you up well for playing in the NFL?
“Indeed, Grambling itself is a great place to be. The coaches have done a great job getting us ready for life on and off the field, it’s a winning program surrounded with talented guys that could play in the NFL.”
Jason Hatcher, who recently retired a Washington Redskin, is one of the various Grambling State Tigers drafted to the NFL. Do you look at his career path and look to replicate that sort of success?
“No disrespect to Mr. Hatcher but I’m trying to be the best to come out of Grambling on the defensive side of the ball period! Hatcher, Larry Donnell, Chester Rogers have all done a tremendous job putting Grambling back on the map but it still doesn’t have the respect it deserves.”
Listed as a 6’2” 205-pound safety, you’re clearly a strong physical presence in the backfield, what other aspects of your game do you think stand-out?
“Play recognition and how quickly I can get from side line to side line.”
Do you consider yourself a more natural Free Safety or Strong Safety?
“Free Safety, Strong Safety, outside linebacker or inside linebacker. I’m comfortable with all of these because I’m physical and I like contact. It’s what gets me going. The type of defence I played in, I went wherever they felt was needed in the game plan.” I can play my natural game anywhere but corner, that takes me out of my comfort zone.”
Are there any NFL players, past or present, that you would compare yourself to?
“Sean Taylor. His heart on the field and his physicality. He’s a man child. Taylor has always been fearless on the field and just dominated.”
Throughout your college career, who were the best players you played with and against?
With: Chad Williams (WR, Arizona Cardinals) and the whole 2017 SWAC Champions Grambling State Football Team.
Against: Leonard Tillery (RB, Southern), Willie Quinn (WR, Southern), Javancy Jones (LB/DE, Jackson St.) is a great guy.
If you could pick any defence from history to play on, which one would it be?
“That’s a tough one… 2013 Seattle Seahawks with the Legion of Boom Secondary.”
Football opens many opportunities for athletes, what’s the best thing the sport has allowed you to do?
“Giving back to the community and going back to show younger guys from the crib that anyone could make it, if you have your mind set on it.”
What are you looking forward to most about being given the chance to compete in the National Football League?
“Playing against the guys I looked up to since my freshman year in college, and to be in that same position knowing someone else is looking up to me.”
When that NFL pay check finally arrives, what are you planning to spend it on first?
“A foundation for my fiancé and soon to be born son, a few life changing months lay ahead.”
