- Name: Macklin Ayers
- Position: ILB
- College: Dartmouth College (UMass 5th Year)
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 230
- Twitter: @Macklinayers
- Instagram: @macklin_ayers.12
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?
My versatility is what makes me a top prospect at LB this year. I feel like I am adept at playing the pass and also coming downhill for the run, but possibly my best asset is my sideline-to-sideline play, making tackles all over the field, including special teams. Also, I am a student of the game, which has helped me tremendously in anticipation and understanding of schemes.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
My work ethic is second to none. Throughout my career, I have had to face adversity time and time again. I am relentless and will do whatever it takes… to help my teammates do the same in our pursuit of success.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to help impoverished communities. Many different charities and organizations do this, but I think this is something that needs to be addressed in our country especially. I see it all the time and these communities need many of the things that a lot of us take for granted every day. In this mission, I’d like to spread God’s Word as well, as this is lacking in our country also in many areas.
Who was your role model?
Growing up, my role model was Tim Tebow. I loved the way he played and how he carried himself off the field. I remember my Mom getting me one of the books he wrote and I read it numerous times, even though I wasn’t much of a reader when I was younger. I definitely looked up to him.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
I grew up a Cowboys fan, even though I’m a PA guy. Lots of legendary players over the years. Now, I mainly just watch NFL games because I love football. So, I guess you could say I don’t really have a favorite team anymore, just love the league and definitely root for certain guys around the league.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
At my school, the most underrated teammate of mine was Leonard St. Gourdin. We were teammates at Dartmouth and UMass. That is my guy, but I’m not saying this because of that. He works extremely hard and has earned everything in his college career, nothing was given to him. He would be a great asset to any team.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is the lack of effort. I once heard the quote “How you do one thing is how you do everything” and it really stuck with me. No matter what it is, I get irritated when people are not using all of their God-given abilities or giving the amount of effort required.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
My favorite teacher in all my years of school is definitely my Dad. He taught at my high school and I cherish the time we got to spend together in and out of class. No teacher can beat a parent. Lots of people think it’d be tough having a parent as a teacher in school also, but to me, it was a major blessing for my sister and me.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
The hardest moment to overcome in my life was my 8th-grade summer going into Freshman Year of high school. My Nana on my Mom’s side and Paw on my Dad’s side passed away within the same week. It was the hardest time of my life, but my Faith and family got me through it. I became much closer to God during this time, which was a major reason I got through this. I have the best support system in the world in my opinion and that’s also what helped me get through it, I couldn’t have done it without them either. In the end, this has made me so much stronger and I know that each time I step on that field or do anything, they’re right there with me watching over me.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
It’d probably be CAVA. I tried it for the first time in Houston and unfortunately, there’s none back home in Central PA, but I love that place. My girlfriend and sister do too and I know my Mom would, so I’d definitely choose that.
What is your favorite snack food?
Honestly, I’m probably the last person to be considered a snacker in my family. My Papa leads the way in that category, with my Mom and Brad right behind him. But, I guess the only snack I really eat is deer sticks. I’m a big hunter, so it’s awesome eating something you spent so much time to get, plus, it’s really healthy.
What is your degree in?
I have my undergrad degree from Dartmouth with a major in Sociology Modified with Environmental Studies. From UMass, I have my graduate certificate in Business Analytics.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Jesus. I’ll get to do something like this one day anyway, but I’d love to ask Him a bunch of questions now and gain a lot of wisdom.
- David Goggins. I like to listen to a lot of his stuff and just finished reading his book. I’d love to gain some knowledge from him.
- A great great relative. I’m not sure exactly which one, but I’m really interested in my family’s history and history as a whole.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is that sometimes I overthink. Football is kind of easy to let it loose, because I’m so comfortable on the field, even though I used to think a lot on the football field too in previous years I think it’s because I tend to be pretty cerebral. My girlfriend, family, and friends have helped me a lot with this. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s ok to take a step back and relax, to just have fun and not think so much. Still working on it, but I’m getting much better every day with this.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at [email protected]
