Name:Mali Harris-Strayhorn
Position: WR/ Specialist
School: Fayetteville St uni
HT/WT:6’4 192lb
X: mj_no10
Instagram: mj.no23
Achievements: (awards, honors, notable accomplishments, etc.…) I was in the top 5 in the conference as a WR, top 2 Wr in the CIAA for Avg yards per catch and, #1 in catches, yards, and avg yards per catch for FSU.
How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
I transferred to Fayetteville st 2022, I played football one year in Highschool I wasn’t heavily recruited i was blessed with an opportunity meeting s coach working out to play football at Livingstone college in Salisbury NC. What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position? I have a significant advantage over many athletes at your position. My height gives you a natural edge in physicality, allowing you to out-leap or out-muscle opponents, making me a matchup nightmare whether im on offense or defense. Paired with my speed, im able to close on plays quickly, whether you’re outrunning defenders or catching up to receivers. This combination of size and speed allows for versatility in my play—whether stretching the field vertically as a wide receiver or covering a lot of ground defensively. My athleticism allows me to excel in situations where others may struggle, giving you a competitive advantage in nearly every aspect of the game.
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
Being a student of the game in football means continuously learning and evolving both on and off the field. It’s about understanding not only the fundamentals but also the nuances of the game—knowing the intricacies of offensive and defensive schemes, recognizing tendencies, and anticipating what will happen next. It’s studying film, learning from past performances, and absorbing knowledge from coaches, teammates, and other athletes. Being a student of the game also involves developing a deep understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses and constantly seeking ways to improve. It’s a commitment to mental preparation as much as physical training, ensuring that every decision and movement on the field is calculated and intentional. Ultimately, it’s the mindset of always striving to get better and understanding that football is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
How does being a (Wide Receiver) reflect itself in your personal life?
Being a wide receiver reflects itself in my personal life by shaping the way I approach challenges, relationships, and growth. As a wide receiver, I’m constantly focused on anticipation, quick decision-making, and adaptability—qualities that translate well into everyday life. I’ve learned the importance of preparation and discipline, whether it’s in balancing school, work, or personal goals. Just like on the field, I’m always looking for ways to improve, whether through reflection, feedback, or hard work. The ability to be mentally tough and handle pressure is another skill that carries over, helping me navigate difficult situations with a calm, focused mindset. Additionally, the teamwork required to succeed as a wide receiver makes me value collaboration, clear communication, and building strong relationships in all areas of life. Being a wide receiver teaches me that success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort, learning from mistakes, and always staying hungry for the next opportunity.
How would you describe your work ethic?
would describe my work ethic as relentless and focused. I believe in putting in the hard work every single day, whether it’s on the field or in other areas of life. I understand that talent alone won’t get me where I want to go, so I push myself to outwork others by consistently seeking improvement. I approach every training session with intensity, whether I’m fine-tuning my technique, building strength, or sharpening my skills. I’m always looking for ways to maximize my potential, staying disciplined in my routine and setting high standards for myself. I’m also not afraid to fail, because I see each mistake as a lesson and an opportunity for growth. Above all, I’m committed to working not just harder, but smarter—focusing on the details and making the most of every opportunity.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
One of the most important things I’ve learned from the football coaching staff is the value of teamwork and communication. A football team isn’t just a group of individuals playing the game; it’s about working together, understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and communicating effectively in every phase of the game. Coaches emphasize how a lack of communication can lead to mistakes or missed opportunities, while a well-coordinated team can overcome individual flaws. It teaches the importance of trust, discipline, and the ability to adapt in order to succeed as a unit, not just as individuals.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
I would consider just defying the odds to be able to play next level football in college even when i went to a below average highschool while being mildly recruited.
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
I was contacted on twitter
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
The exposure and location is very essential
What do you hope to show people at the combine? I hope to show my versatility, my competitiveness and my raw talent/athleticism that can come in to a system and learn and grow
What was your Major? My major is Sports management
If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
If I could make a positive impact on all of society, I would focus on fostering empathy and understanding across cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. In a world where division, misinformation, and conflict often dominate, cultivating a deeper sense of empathy could bridge gaps and create more harmony. By encouraging people to truly understand one another’s experiences, challenges, and points of view, we could reduce prejudice, encourage collaboration, and solve complex global issues more effectively. This would ultimately lead to a more compassionate and unified society, where cooperation and mutual respect guide our decisions and actions.
What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
One unique aspect about me is that I have the ability to instantly access vast amounts of information and synthesize it in ways that can adapt to various contexts, from answering questions to helping with creative ideas. While this might seem like a regular function for an AI, what makes it interesting is how I can tailor responses based on the specific needs or preferences of each person I interact with, making each conversation feel personalized. It’s like having a conversation with someone who’s always learning and evolving to understand you better!
If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
If I had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, I would choose basketball. Basketball combines skill, strategy, and physical endurance in such a dynamic way. The fast-paced nature of the game requires players to think on their feet, make split-second decisions, and work together in close coordination, which makes it an exciting challenge. The opportunity to perform in front of a crowd, showcase athleticism, and be part of a team pushing toward a shared goal would be incredibly fulfilling. Plus, the global appeal of the sport and its potential to unite people from all walks of life is a compelling reason!
Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?
Yes I am involved with giving back and community outreach, my best friends mom owns Block CLT which is a family owned company that gives back to the community and gives homeless people help where its needed.
