2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Demond Taylor Jr, DL, Northern Illinois University

• Name: Demond Taylor Jr
• Position: DL
• College: Northern Illinois University
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 305 lbs.
• X (Twitter): @Demond_Taylor
• Instagram: @demond9758

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

Just growing up seeing guys playing football on Sundays with my dad at five or six years old.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Winning State in high school sophomore year. Being in the MAC Championship.

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

Ultimate goal is to play football in the NFL and make my dad happy and show I can compete and make an impact at that level.

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

Aaron Donald, we play the same position, and he dominated, and I want to see what goes on in his head when he played.

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

My dad, growing up seeing him and hearing how he played football and my uncle, he had a tryout with the Cowboys, and we talk about it and have a real good relationship.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

4-3, I like playing nose guard and it’s really heavy on stopping the run which I love.

What should we know about Demond Taylor Jr the person?

I’m a chill, laid back guy and i have my daughter and play my game and love fishing.

What stands out about your film the most?

How I take on double teams and getting through blocks and my point of attack and getting after the ball.

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

I’m a pretty religious guy who believes in God and I just keep my faith in him.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A leader, who has been around the sport a long time, who has high energy and who has a smile on his face every day.

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

Making plays and having your teammates out there and helping your team achieve a win.

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

Devonte O’Malley, the things he’s been doing and he’s a top defensive tackle in the country and does a lot of things well.