Montavius Gaines
Defensive Back / Southern University
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)
Montavius Gaines: My height is 6’1 4/8, I am 190 pounds and I run in the high 4.4s.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Montavius Gaines: In Atlanta, with Oliver Davis at a local facility. When February opens up, I will be training at the D1 facility.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Montavius Gaines: I committed to Townsend University and then de-committed because of a foot injury and then I got an opportunity at Southern.
Ed Hunt: Why did you choose Southern University?
Montavius Gaines: They were very family oriented and they treated you like family. It’s a nice environment.
Ed Hunt: What positions can you play in the defensive backfield?
Montavius Gaines: I can play CB, FS, SS and nickel.
Ed Hunt: What position is your best fit at the next level?
Montavius Gaines: Cornerback and free safety.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest sport outside of football?
Montavius Gaines: Basketball.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in that sport?
Montavius Gaines: In 2016, from a team standpoint, we made it to the second round of the playoffs and lost to the best team in the playoffs.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Montavius Gaines: Knowledge. I have great knowledge towards the game. I ’m big on watching film and knowing the play before it develops. I also say speed and length.
Ed Hunt: What are your weaknesses?
Montavius Gaines: I would say in man to man, patience to the inside and working on man to man technique.
Ed Hunt: What was the highlight of your career?
Montavius Gaines: The highlight of my career was when we played South Carolina State. My first year ever starting as a safety and I had a defensive MVP my first official start ever.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?
Montavius Gaines: Getting my degree. I wasn’t going to leave my college without a college degree for my family. I am the first person in my family to get a college degree.
Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Montavius Gaines: How to deal with adversity in life and football wise. They always tied life and football. They used real life situations.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Montavius Gaines: I don’t have a specific NFL team. I just like to see great players make plays.
Ed Hunt: Who is an NFL player you model your career off of?
Montavius Gaines: Richard Sherman and Sean Taylor.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a defensive back?
Montavius Gaines: Having great eye discipline. If your eye is on the wrong place, then you won’t make plays.
Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in an offense?
Montavius Gaines: I look at the personnel. Then I look at offensive linemen splits. I look at the wide receiver split stance and their body demeanor.
Ed Hunt: What players from your team should we keep an eye on?
Montavius Gaines: Ladarius Skelton, Robert Rhem, Torriando Sims II and Davon Benn.
Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?
Montavius Gaines: Chad Williams in the Bayou Classic. He played at Grambling University. I played against Chester Rogers as well, but I didn’t guard him.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Montavius Gaines: Getting thoughts off from outside things, and my mind is occupied on football. It gets my mind off life issues. I am in my own little zone when I am playing football.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Montavius Gaines: I would say my knowledge and my closing speed. I have great closing speed.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Montavius Gaines: I like to go hunting and go to the gun range. I’m getting into hockey now. Try something outside the box.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career?
Montavius Gaines: My degree is in criminal justice. Something like being a criminal investigator.
Ed Hunt: What four words best describe you?
Montavius Gaines: Competitive, self-confident, aggressive, and disciplined.
Ed Hunt: Who will win the Super Bowl?
Montavius Gaines: I feel like the 49ers are going to win it.
