Momodou Mbye
Defensive Back / Rhode Island

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Momodou Mbye:  5’11 ¾, weight is 186 and I ran a 4.5 recently.      

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft? 

 

Momodou Mbye:  Next Level Fitness in Johnston, Rhode Island.     

 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you perform at the National Scouting Combine in Indy?    

 

Momodou Mbye:  This took place around the same time as the regular combine in Indy.  I was nervous at first.  I was so fluent and moved fast.  My DB drills went great.  I caught every ball.  I put my name out there.  My vertical was 37 inches, 10’4 broad, 4.5 forty and 11 reps.  An agent told me about it.  I booked flights at the last minute.  I adjusted my training accordingly.       

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Momodou Mbye:  I had great seasons, especially my senior year.  We won a championship.  D-II and D-III schools had interest.  I played RB, receiver and returner in high school.  I was recruited as an offensive guy.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Rhode Island?

 

Momodou Mbye:  They gave me the best financial aid.  Their program helps minority and low-income families.  I was a walk-on.  I didn’t know the process about JUCO.  I let my head coach take over the process in high school.  I earned a scholarship my sophomore year.        

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Momodou Mbye:  Bring my speed, physicality and ball skills.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Momodou Mbye:  My feet.  I have to make sure I don’t stop my feet.  I need to maintain my leverage and keep my feet moving.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?

Momodou Mbye:  As a team, not a lot of things were going right.  Two seasons ago we went 6-5, but fell short of the playoffs.  The coaches have been getting everyone more involved with each other.  Creating more of a brother system.  I was able to have a successful career.  I had nine INT’s total.  I had the best season as a senior with five INT’s, total 200 tackles and lots of fumble recoveries.  I started my redshirt freshman year at corner.  I started all four years, but missed a few games because of injuries.  My sophomore year, I was a cornerback.  I converted to safety as a junior.  I played there as a senior. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Was there a big adjustment for you moving from CB to safety?

 

Momodou Mbye:  You see the field differently.  As a safety, you look at the whole defense.  As a cornerback, you look at your man.  I see myself as a safety at the next level.  I have to add strength and weight.  I can also play nickel and corner.  I am a versatile guy.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Momodou Mbye:  My whole senior season.  I was comfortable back there at safety.  I had five INT’s and about 67 tackles. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of? 

 

Momodou Mbye:  I was a captain my senior year.  I ended up as the captain of the defense.  Knowing that my teammates believed in me.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff? 

 

Momodou Mbye:  Being patient and making plays.  Working with the coaches, understanding the schemes and knowing that the play will come to you.    

 

Momodou Mbye:  What is the most important trait for a DB?

Momodou Mbye:  Just to have confidence.  As a corner, you will be on an island.  At safety, you have to play the slot.  You have to be a dog.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like to go up against your teammates WR’s Aaron Parker and Isaiah Coulter in practice every day?

 

Momodou Mbye:  Aaron Parker makes some great catches.  On one play in practice, I jumped up and thought that I had the easy pick.  Aaron Parker came out of nowhere and scooped it up for a great play.  Isaiah Coulter was fast.  It was also a challenge to go up against him because he was quicker.  I was grateful that I had guys like that in practice.  They will play at the next level.  They helped me learn different techniques.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Momodou Mbye:  I am a Vikings fan. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Momodou Mbye:  I was the biggest fan of RB Adrian Peterson.  I also like Xavier Rhodes.  He is a big corner who adjusted his technique and made it work.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  You lived outside of the US.  Tell me about the experience.    

 

Momodou Mbye:  I was born in the US, but I went to Gambia for five years when I was younger.  I came back to the US.  I have lived in Rhode Island.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Momodou Mbye:  Safety Malik Gavek had a tremendous year.  He had two picks and lots of tackles last year. DE/LB William Mack is a dynamic, versatile player.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Momodou Mbye:  WR Earnest Edwards from Maine.  Seeing his demeanor and how calm he was.  He was in no rush and he was so relaxed running his routes.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Momodou Mbye:  I enjoy the excitement and the people you meet through this game.  The bond you form with coaches and brothers.  These bonds will be there for the rest of my life.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Momodou Mbye:  Sing with my friends and play video games sometimes.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Momodou Mbye:  My major was in health studies.  I want to be a trainer or work in the health industry.  I want to bring awareness to people.  I love to help people.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Momodou Mbye:  Determined, trustworthy, hardworking, caring and versatile.