Name: Akiva Wedge
School: Southern Virginia
Position: RB
Height:  5’8″
Weight: 189

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

I accomplished being the first running back in school history to have back to back 1,000+ yards seasons. Finished first team all conference in two different conferences back to back. I finished top 25 in the nation in rushing yards in 10 games this season. Hold numerous school records. Was able to break most of my own school records. Was on the D3 National Team of the week.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I am a leader, with a relentless work ethic, good vision, and good balance. A all around back and a team player.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

I focus on different alignments they show, hand signals they give to indicate stunts or blitzes they may show. I evaluate what is a weakness on my offensive line and how the defensive line strengths are against my line weakness. I analyze linebackers and see if they are quick off their first step and how fluid they are sideline to sideline, and what type of tackler they are. Do they put their head down when attempting to tackle or are they sound tacklers and do not lunge. Safeties and Corners, I analyze what coverage they play a lot to analyze how much ground I can gain once passing the second level. Then I analyze if they attack the ball carrier or do they sit back on their heels and wait for contact.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

My ability to adjust through adversity, taking criticism well, my heart, determination, and my ability of having multiple dimensions to my game that create mismatches.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I plan attacking this offseason training with my trainer like no other, to be prepared at any moment for a call. I plan to get faster, gain more bulk, and work on my balance more.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

On the field you are getting a player that is agile, drive his feet through initial contact, good vision, great ball catcher from the backfield or slot, rarely turn the ball over, disciplined player, player to drive myself to be better and help my teammates be the best they can be, fight to win every game, a player who wants to learn from mistakes to work on his craft, and last but not least, be a positive team player no matter the adversity we may face. Off the field you will see a disciplined young man that understands the opportunity he is blessed with and thinks first before his actions.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

First, I am a great person and respectful to every staff member and every working member in the building. I am the guy that will satisfy the need for your organization whether that is running back or slot. I’m willing to sacrifice my body for my organization and teammates. I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do. I’m putting my heart and soul in every rep in practice, so that same effort will show on Sundays. I play this game not only because I love it and because it is my job, but because the game and the whole process is fulfilling. Last but not least, I play through God, who gives me the strength and ability to play this game and make it this far.