2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Maurice Wilmer, LB, Long Island University

• Name: Maurice Wilmer
• Position: LB
• College: Long Island University
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 245 lbs
• X (Twitter): @MoMoWilmer
• Instagram: @momowilmer

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

I grew up watching my cousin James Michael Johnson, playing high school sports and then playing football at the University of Nevada and then playing for the Chiefs and the Browns 2012-2015. Watching him play growing up naturally brought the idea of playing football in high school. He was a big role model for me growing up.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Definitely post win celebrations in the locker room or locker room after any practice. The bond and friendships made in the locker room are the moments I will never forget that football gave me. But as on the field moments go. A memory that will forever live with me is my first game as a playing on defense in the 2021 Detroit quick lane bowl and then becoming a starter the following season. As that sparked my collegiate career but every chance, I get to put a jersey on is my favorite moment as I love playing and I treat every play like it could be my last.

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

Achieve the dream of making an NFL roster and being an impact player as a rookie. Also use the platform I would have as a professional athlete to give back to my community and high school.

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

It would be between Fred Warner, Luke Kuechly and Ray Lewis. All dudes that play or played the game with high IQ and high motor. I watch their highlights before games so sitting with them and picking their brain and getting advice would be truly a blessing.

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

My parents they are the hardest working people I know and if you’ve seen the things they have done for me and my younger sister. It’s something unheard of. Drove me and younger sister to high school 5 days a week for 7 years 2 hours one way. Before they go to work and 2 hours back after work. I can only imagine the number of things they do for me that I don’t see.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I have played in a lot of schemes, but I really like a 3-3-5 quarter shell you can hide a lot of blitzes and coverages and stunts. That confuses the offenses pre snap read.

What should we know about Maurice Wilmer the person?

That I am a hard worker that does what I am told at a high level, and I always am or strive to be the smartest person in the room whether that is in life or on the football field. Smartest person does not always have to know the answers, but they will always make too sure to find the answers by asking the right questions. I learn the whole defense conceptually not individually so I understand how to truly play my position find the weak points in the defense and how to help the defense as a unit succeed by helping when I can. Lastly, I’m a big believer on being on special teams. Games can be won and lost on special teams just like offense and defense. So, I fight to get on those just like I fight for a defensive job. And as a person on the field, I’m a God-Fearing man and someone you can always rely and count on when you need something and nice to everyone I encounter. Some would call my mannerisms southern hospitality, but I just say I am a California kid that was raised right.

What stands out about your film the most?

High IQ and block destruction and great in pass coverage.

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

I take a deep breath, lean on God and fall back on rules and lessons that have helped me along the way.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would be getting a hard-working smart player that puts the team before himself and is very coachable. Also would be getting a general that can control and lead a defense. Lastly someone who wants to give back and be involved with the community.

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

The bond theres nothing like it. Going to war with your brothers! Nothing like it. I also love the feeling of a clean shot on the running back for a 4th down or goal line stop.

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

Chris Love, he was a defensive lineman I played with at the University of Nevada, he was one of the strongest and fastest I’ve played with. And his IQ with his other attributes made him a great defensive lineman.