An experienced 2 year starter for a Northwestern team that cruised to a 10-3 record and a Gator Bowl win over Mississippi State, David Nwabuisi is one of the better unheralded players from a top program available in the draft. A stout
6’1 240 lb linebacker, Nwabuisi earned Butkus Award Watch honors before his senior year, and continued on to have a fine season as he logged 71 tackles ( 18 vs. Iowa -10/27). David was invited to, and played in, the recent Texas vs. The Nation All Star Game.
Shaun DePasquale: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today David. Can you tell me where you’re training for the NFL Draft?
David Nwabuisi: I am training in Chicago with TCBoost and Polyquin Performance.
SD: What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses (things you may need to work on)?
DN: Strengths are my ability to pick up on schemes, and recognize formations. I am a versatile linebacker as I‘ve started both inside and outside at the linebacker position. I am able to connect well with my teammates and lead and motivate them to a common goal.
SD: How do you feel your time at Northwestern University helped you prepare for the NFL?
DN: It was great, I mean playing in the Big-10 Conference against the best athletes in Division 1 college football week in and week out was great. I had very good coaching, and was truly able to learn the game.
SD: What kind of defensive scheme do you feel best fits your talents?
DN: I’ve only played in a 4-3 scheme so I really don’t know how I’d play in a 3-4, but I’d be excited to try it out.
SD: Have you received any feedback from NFL scouts?
DN: Scouts like what they saw from me during the season. They want to know my willingness to play on special teams, which I clearly have no problem with it. That’s how young guys make it into the leagues these days, so it’s something I’d look forward to and it was emphasized very strongly at Northwestern as well.
SD: What active NFL player would you compare your skillset to?
DN: I don’t tend to compare my skill sets often to linebackers in the NFL, but as I just recently watched the Super Bowl, I’d say I play a lot like Navarro Bowman.
SD: How was the Texas vs. Nation experience for you?
DN: It was great, getting to hang out with guys from different teams, different schemes, and figure out how to mesh together was great. It was also quite an experience talking to scouts, and hearing what they thought about me, and things they wanted me to work on.
SD: What was it like to be part of a Northwestern program that completely turned into a great all-around team?
DN: It was great. I mean I came into the culture of Northwestern winning games. My redshirt year we won 9 games, so all I really knew was winning, I just wanted to help take the team a step further. I wanted to win championships.
SD: What has been your greatest accomplishment, athletically or personally ?
DN: I’d have to say winning the bowl game at Northwestern.
SD: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, living or otherwise, who would they be and why?
DN: Hakeem Olajuwan (favorite basketball player), Barack Obama (no explanation needed), and Jamie Foxx (favorite actor)
SD: What player growing up did you most admire and model your game after?
DN: I really grew up on basketball, and even when I first started watching football, I was playing running back, so I didn’t really model my game after anyone. Of course I have a lot of respect for Ray Lewis, but don’t know if I ever modeled my game after him.
SD: Give me the name of a teammate on Northwestern that isn’t talked about nearly enough.
DN: Damien Proby
SD: What message would you like to send to NFL teams about David Nwabuisi?
DN: Just that, I am an intelligent versatile linebacker, with the ability to become the leader of your team eventually.
SD: Last question, what would be your first purchase with an NFL paycheck?
DN: Not sure, something for my parents probably, followed by a place to live.
SD: Thank you so much for your time David. Good luck in your journey!
Please give David a hello and a follow on Twitter @Nwabuisi33 . You can follow me on Twitter @ShaunDePasquale
