2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jeremiah McNair, DB, Missouri Valley College

Name: Jeremiah McNair

Position: DB

College: Missouri Valley College

Height: 5’ 11”

Weight: 180 lbs

X: @ayeemiahh

Instagram: @moneybaggmiahh

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

I grew up watching my older brothers play football. So they encouraged me to play football outside of basketball.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

First moment has to be me starting my first college game in 2023 against Peru St and catching my first interception that game as well. And lastly, would be me catching 2 interceptions in 2024 against William Penn.

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

My mom is my biggest inspiration. Because she’s proves to me that NO obstacles are too big for us. And that with our faith in God anything is possible. She’s my rock!

What are you looking to achieve in the rest of your season?

I’m working to get 4 or more INTs this year. Because I had 4 last season, so I want improvement there. I also want All-Conference or All-American honors!

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

I would love to spend a day with Tyrann Mathieu and just soak up all the game/gems that he’s learned throughout his football career. He’s one of the greatest players ever, and I would definitely love the experience to meet him one day.

What are your favorite things about playing football at Missouri Valley?

The loving supportive people in the town of Marshall, Missouri, and all the nice caring people on the college campus. This is a small loving town full of some caring people, and I’m thankful God kept me here for 3 years.

What should we know about Jeremiah McNair the person?

You should know Jeremiah McNair is a leader that will always give his best to anybody. He’s a person who’s always early, that will grind & give you everything he’s got NO MATTER WHAT the circumstances are. He’s a guy that WILL DO THE DIRTY WORK!

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love running zone schemes because I’m so good at baiting the QB into throwing passes that he thinks is open. I love man coverage as well, but baiting QBs in zone coverages is how I’ve gotten majority of my interceptions.

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

I handle the challenges the only way I grew up learning how to, and that’s get it done no matter what. You don’t got time to make excuses. I remind myself that nobody is going to give you anything. So I always put my head down and attack every problem that comes my way full speed no matter what it is.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would be getting a player that’s willing to do whatever he needs to do to earn a spot on a team. He will always be early, never miss any mandatory obligations. He will never make himself, the team or the staff look bad by making poor mistakes. He will be the best supporting teammate to his fellow brothers, and will also be a sponge to the older guys that’s around him.

What stands out about your film the most?

My ability to always end up around the ball or with the ball in my hands. Film also shows my ability to play multiple positions on the field. My film shows that I am a ballhawk, that you can count on me 99% of the time to be where I’m asked to be. And lastly, just my versatility in playing cornerback, nickel and free safety.

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

The most underrated player I’ve played with is Missouri Valley running back James Phillips out of Louisiana. He’s a hard nose downhill running back who can hit the outside if needed, and I feel like he’s had a rough career getting the playing time he deserves.

Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen