Name: Antonio Wimbush
School: Carson-Newman
Position: RB/WR/RS
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 205
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Throughout life, you realize that nothing is promised. As far as setting goals, my outlook on that is different. I believe if you give yourself a goal to reach, you are limiting yourself. The reason I say that is because I believe I can surpass the sky. I don’t look at it as a “limit” as the saying goes. If you expect the greatest out of yourself, I truly believe you will be able to deliver more than you ever thought you could. As far as accomplishments, I was fortunate enough to become the third player in school history with 4,000 career rushing yards, the sixth player in program history with 40 career rushing touchdowns, the sixth player in school history to have multiple 1,000 yard rushing campaigns, and was one of 36 being considered for Division II’s national player of the year.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
“As a coach, you always go in a room and talk about the things you want to be able to get in achieve; and it’s hard for guys to understand that unless they have a picture. I think that’s probably the most impressive thing, is when we go in the video room and we turn on film he gives us exactly what we are looking for.(Head coach-Mike Clowney)” “ He brings confidence that makes other people around him better. (Previous head coach-Mike Turner)” “ Its an exciting time to have him in the room. Antonio is very special. That’s not just for what he does on the field, but also for the quality of his character off of it. (Mike Clowney)” I am not the type of person to talk about myself because that’s not who I am. In this world, too many people have the worlds to say, but no actions to back up their words. I’m the type of person who would rather prove myself by my actions rather than my words. To conclude that though, they would say that Antonio Wimbush or Wimbo, is an all-In type of player. Nothing more, nothing less. He is a player you will never have to worry about giving his all, getting into trouble, being on time to meetings, or skipping out on reps.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
While studying film it is important to pay attention to detail. It is easy to get caught up in how well you did on this play or how bad you did, but the most important aspect when studying film to help improve my game that I focus on are fundamentals. As a player, you can’t overlook it and there is no such thing as harping on fundamentals too much because they are what creates those big plays in the long run.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects at my position is my work ethic and how real I keep it with myself. I understand I will be overlooked because of my height/size. I understand I will be overlooked because of the offense we ran at my school. I understand I will be overlooked because I played division II ball. I understand I am not the best prospect at my position, but I do know that hasn’t stopped me and I don’t plan on letting it now. My passion for this game is different. My knowledge for this game is different. Being overlooked I have to find and see everything in front of me to put myself in the best position possible. For example, knowing every position on the field shows my ability to learn is there. I am a selfless player who is willing to do anything to win. Whether it be offense, defense, special teams, or scout team. I know I can be an asset on any team who gives me that opportunity.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
Offseason training and getting prepared for professional opportunities has already begun for me. We are working on specifics to help my performance in March at my pro-day. I am truly blessed to be working with Strength and Conditioning Coach, Johnny Long at Carson-Newman University and I also do other things with another trainer out of Knoxville area, Darius Khan, owner of Vengeance Fitness Company. I am also grateful for the athletic training staff who spends so much time on my body because that’s just as important as training if not more.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My determination to win. Day in and day out there will always be ways of how I can make myself better and the people around me whether it be on the field or off the field. I’ve been told I’m the type of person that rises to the occasion. Whether that be on the field or off the field. If I can challenge others to do the same and spread that sense of competitiveness, I feel I’ve left a mark. The drive to get better as a whole sometimes stems from one person and if I can be that for a teammate then I feel like I’m accomplishing something bigger than myself.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
My name is Antonio Wimbush and all my life there have been obstacles. Regardless of how unfair or how extreme those obstacles have been, I was granted the option to either break through those obstacles or let it break me. I’ve made it this far through the grace of God and I don’t plan on stopping because I know there is something inside me that is much greater than any obstacle put before me. All I’m looking for is a chance to maximize my opportunity. I promise you won’t regret it.