Willie Eubanks III
Linebacker / The Citadel
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Willie Eubanks III: 6’1 ½, weight is in the 227-230 range and my last forty was a 4.65.
Alex Khvatov: How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Willie Eubanks III: I have been watching film every day to get a better feel for our opponents this year. I am training to get bigger, stronger, and faster. I have been training with Raymond Webber at a facility in Augusta, Georgia. It is a big facility, and they train athletes there.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Willie Eubanks III: I played basketball and ran track. I ran 800 meters and a 4×400 relay.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Willie Eubanks III: In high school, I played RB and outside LB. I played OL and DL when I first started playing football because I was too big. I have been playing LB for a long time.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Willie Eubanks III: I had a couple of FBS schools like Liberty and Georgia Southern. South Carolina State actually offered me a scholarship going into my senior year. Then I had The Citadel and Western Carolina. At the end of my senior year, I had Hampton and Savannah State.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose The Citadel?
Willie Eubanks III: At the time, South Carolina State offered me as a RB. I knew that my best potential at the next level would be at LB. The Citadel offered me at LB. They kept in touch with me. It was my first official visit, and I told the coach that I would commit. I knew that once I gave my word, I wouldn’t back out.
Alex Khvatov: Besides being a football player and a student, you are a cadet. Tell us about it.
Willie Eubanks III: It is a very different place. At first, I had to adapt to the situation and the military school. At first, it was difficult to adapt. They help you, and you lean on older people. You find out what to do and what not to do. It is a tough place. At the end of the day, you develop a strong mentality. At the Citadel, you don’t have a commitment like Army to the armed forces once you are done with school.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Willie Eubanks III: During my freshman year, I didn’t play as much. It was a learning experience. I learned from older linebackers like Noah Dawkins. We have a tight connection, and he was with the Bucs. He gave me information and helped me out. I started as a sophomore. With the older guys leaving, I became a leader of the defense during my junior year. We lost a couple of games, and it came down to the wire last year. During this upcoming season, we want to win the SoCon and make a deep playoff run.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Willie Eubanks III: I have the nose for the ball. I have sideline to sideline speed. I am a versatile LB. I can run with the TE’s. I have a good IQ for the game. I am the first to the ball.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Willie Eubanks III: One area is my mobility. I have to move in space better. Being able to run with the receiver or TE in coverage. I also have to make a play when the ball is in the air. I am also working on my speed. I feel that I missed a couple of plays last year. I was a step behind. I also need to continue to become a better student of the game. I need to understand what the offense is trying to do in certain areas of the field.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Willie Eubanks III: Winning the defensive player of the year in the conference. I played good last year. We had a few players that were in position to win the award. When it was announced, I was shocked. All of my hard work was paying off.
Alex Khvatov: How gratifying was the win over Georgia Tech last season?
Willie Eubanks III: It was pretty gratifying. We dropped the first two games to start the season to Elon and Towson. We were fighting for the win. We went to GA Tech and had a good shot at winning. We realized we could win as the game progressed. We have many guys from the Georgia area. I was also born and raised in Georgia.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Willie Eubanks III: Trust yourself and believe in yourself. I had three different positional coaches and two different defensive coordinators. All of them mentioned that I need to believe in my ability when I am on the field.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Willie Eubanks III: I never had a favorite team. I told my dad that whichever team gives me a shot will be my new favorite team for the rest of my life.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Willie Eubanks III: On the defensive side of the ball, Darius Leonard, Devin Bush and Bobby Wagner. I watch their film and how they play the position. On offense, Lamar Jackson and DeAndre Hopkins.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Willie Eubanks III: I look at the O-line and their hand placement. If they are light on their feet, it will be a pass. Then I key on the back. The back usually tips off where the play is going because of where he is lined up. If there is no back, I key on the eyes of the QB.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Willie Eubanks III: Senior WR Raleigh Webb is very fast and is a great athlete. He takes pride in the weight room. RB Alex Ramsey who is a transfer from VMI. He led the SoCon in yards. He will be a great addition. Senior QB Brandon Rainey could be that Taysom Hill type of guy at the next level. LB Marquise Blount is an upcoming junior. I think that he is the best underclassman in the conference.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Willie Eubanks III: We played Alabama my sophomore year. They had Tua, Josh Jacobs and Jalen Hurts. We also played Clemson my freshman year. They had Kelly Bryant and Travis Etienne. I would have to go with Tua. His feel for the game. I almost had a sack on him, but he threw the ball. The way he leads the offense and takes control of the game.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Willie Eubanks III: Being able to move sideline to sideline. Another thing is to have play recognition.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Willie Eubanks III: It is fun to put the pads on and hit people. Also making plays and seeing your work paying off. I have loved the game ever since I started playing.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Willie Eubanks III: Someone who leads by example. I show how to do it the right way. I always show them each and every day. Sometimes I use vocal leadership when the time is needed.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from The Citadel this upcoming season?
Willie Eubanks III: We have improved each and every year. We have a lot of returning players. The offense won’t miss a beat. We started picking up the defense under our new defensive coordinator down the stretch last year. We should have a special season.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Willie Eubanks III: Most of the time, I hang out with the guys. I am watching some games or television. I sit around and play video games.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Willie Eubanks III: I am a very humble guy. I have always had to work for everything in order to be great. I worked hard all of my life throughout high school. I have worked even more now in college.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Willie Eubanks III: Maybe being a business owner. I want to have a training facility in my hometown. My major is in business administration. I am working taking online summer classes, so I graduate in December.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe yourself?
Willie Eubanks III: Humble, hard-working, dedicated, team player, and always improving.
