PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He is his own man, but add MJ Devonshire to the list of former Aliquippa High School players who were drafted in the NFL, taken by the Raiders in the seventh round on Saturday.
Devonshire is now one of a dozen players from the Quips program to be drafted in the NFL. He is also one of over a handful of recent Pitt defensive backs to join an NFL roster.
"(Secondary) Coach (Archie) Collins does a good job," Devonshire said. "He goes and recruits dawgs. I think the one thing that separates all of us is our mentality. I tell a lot of young guys when they ask what makes you good, it's your mentality. Here you have to sit and press a guy and you are in his face all day. It's just you and him, one-on-one with no help. You are on an island, truly."
Devonshire did pretty well at the NFL Combine in February running a 4.45 40-yard dash, a 38.5" vertical jump and 10.4" broad jump. The former Pitt and Kentucky corner said he was able to show off the athleticism, but it's more about what he showed in games. He wants to prove he's more than just a 'Combine guy'.
Last year he was Second Team All-ACC leading the Panthers with four interceptions and 10 pass break-ups. One of his interceptions he returned 86 yards for a touchdown in the win over number 14 Louisville. It was his third career pick six, his most memorable for Pitt fans, was the 56-yarder for the go-ahead touchdown with 2:58 to play against West Virginia in 2022.
"I'm going to be just fine if it's a production-based league because I'm productive," Devonshire said. "I'm around the ball all the time. Having a knack for the ball whether it's special teams, defense, corner whatever it is, just being around the ball."
Devonshire believes while he has room to grow, but showed his football IQ during NFL meetings and will now continue that in Las Vegas.
"Always perfecting your craft," Devonshire said.
