2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Naythan Mulugeta, WR, UVA-Wise

• Name: Naythan Mulugeta
• Position: WR
• College: UVA Wise
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 190 lbs
• X(Twitter): @naythanisblack
• Instagram: @naythanisblack

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up watching my older brother having on some Broncos games and I was watching Demaryius Thomas and my love for the game kept growing and I wanted to play at 11 and then finally my mom let me play at 13.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite game was senior year of high school when we beat our rival school. The togetherness of my team felt so powerful, and we worked well together, and that game has never left my mind.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to get on a professional roster and give my 110 percent day in and day out.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Davante Adams, seeing how smooth he is in and out of breaks at the line, I would love to spend a day soaking up all the knowledge I can from him. Steve Smith, we are both from Los Angeles, both from an LAUSD school and both went to JUCO, and I would love to see what it took for him to get to the highest level.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom, my mom came to this country at 17 without much help as a single mom and raised me and my older brother on her own. It’s a big inspiration to see she gave the best for us to have what we needed and seeing her take on both roles as a mom and dad helped me figure out “where there is a will there is a way, and anything is possible.”

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Air raid, and west coast style offense, that gives me the best way to showcase my route running ability and those styles of offense will help showcase my ability to run short, medium and deep route concepts.

What should we know about Naythan Mulugeta the person?

I’m always quick to pick others up, I’m an extremely hard worker and have no quit in me. I’m loving of those closest to me and football is my pride and joy.

What stands out about your film the most?

My ability to showcase getting in and out of breaks quickly and my separation I get against defenders on all 3 levels and overall, I’m a high-level route runner.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I look at failure as a step to success so when those challenges come to fruition, I only look at it as a step closer to success. A quote that adheres to that is ” A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the brick’s others have thrown at him” is a quote that is very applicable to me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Somebody who has an unmatched love for football and is an extremely hard worker and will end up being the best route runner in your room.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I’d have to say the comradery between teammates and how it mentally and physically takes every ounce of you to be successful every time you are out there. And I love how much of a team sport it is because you are only as good as your weakest link.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Caleb Tillman and Trevon Kleint from Morehead State, Caleb is a big body guy who catches everything and surprisingly runs great routes. Trevon can take the top off the defense and has the quickness to beat someone off the line. Both guys have yet to reach their potential.