Konata Mumpfield Reflects on Upbringing, Receiver Traits at NFL Combine

Coming out of Dacula High School in Georgia, Konata Mumpfield was not the most valued prospect. He was perceived as a two-star recruit and his biggest offer came from Akron.

To Akron he went and became a Freshman All-American at wide receiver. He utilized that opportunity to take his talents to the Power Four level and Pitt in which he blossomed into a top receiver in the program.

Four years later, Mumpfield is back in a situation he was all too familiar with in high school: an under-the-radar prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I was under-recruited. Biggest offer was Akron. It molded me today understanding that every opportunity that I get, regardless if it’s slim or if it’s a lot, make the most of that opportunity because you never know when that next opportunity’s going to come. Throughout college, I kept that mindset when the ball’s in the air, regardless if I’m going to get it once or twice, we got to make something happen,” Mumpfield said at the NFL Combine Friday.

Since his high school days, Mumpfield has always played with a chip on his shoulder and it can be linked back to his upbringing.

“Coming from my family in general, we very competitive. We always feel like we the best, we’re gonna talk trash. With that being said, I played with the best in high school with some of the top players in the country and some people that’s producing well in the NFL right now. Always being underrated, it ticks me off, but at the same time, it’s a blessing. God has a plan for everybody and it’s an opportunity to prove people wrong,” Mumpfield said.

Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (9) September 14, 2024. Michael Longo/PSN

His father, Ceeprian, played ACC football at N.C. State before joining the military. Mumpfield’s personal foundation was built by his father at a young age.

“My dad was in the military, retired 21 years. You talk about discipline in that household, you was on the string. You do something wrong, you gonna get that belt. It definitely shaped me into the person I am today understanding right from wrong. My family’s big on our morals. That carries over into football and really life in general. I’m grateful for it. As a kid, you kind of upset, you be angry with your parents. I’m blessed and happy that it happened,” Mumpfield reminisced.

The toughness and discipline instilled in Mumpfield has transcended time as the father and son share the NFL Draft journey.

“It’s been great,” Mumpfield said. “My dad is real calm, so a lot of things don’t phase him. It keeps me calm at the same time. It’s been amazing talking to him and share this experience. He don’t want to show it, but he’s really a deep guy.

“We was just talking about it on the phone a couple days ago and he was like, ‘Boy, you really going to the combine. This is something you really dream about growing up.’ Also, when I was a two-star, not really ranked and recruited, it’s definitely been a long journey and to finally be here, he’s like, ‘Man, this really happening.”

In order to get to this point in his career, Mumpfield had to fine-tune some areas in his life to prepare him for each season.

“Coming in as a freshman, playing, it was something I wanted to work on: consistency, routine. I feel like all that plays a part in being consistent and doing those things. Once I started taking care of my body, being as available as possible and knowing that it’s a physical game. The more you can play, the more you’re available, the better you are,” Mumpfield said.

With his work ethic and discipline, Mumpfield turned in three strong seasons for the Panthers capped by 52 receptions, 813 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a senior.

Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (9) August 31, 2024 Photo by David Hague/PSN

Over the past three seasons, there was one area that the 6-foot-1, 185-pound receiver specifically crafted with lengthy preparation and studying.

“Route running is an art, truly. From the repetitions of continuing to practice getting in and out of your breaks. Understanding your releases, I feel like that’s really important if you can win fast, you can win now — that’s a big part of getting open.

“Watching film, understanding what you’re going against because you can do a lot of things, but if you don’t know why you’re doing it or what you’re doing it for, it really doesn’t matter. Since high school, I’ve been watching film. I’ve been trying to understand what leverage does, what lanes to pick, what techniques I can use against certain coverages. Watching film, it makes the whole process easier.”

At the combine, Mumpfield is hoping that his route running will catch the attention of the scouts just as it did at the Shrine Bowl.

“Just how smooth I really am. How effortless catching the ball is for me. Definitely my smoothness, getting in and out of routes, speed cuts, breaking and just natural ball-tracking ability,” he said.

Sweet release by Konata Mumpfield pic.twitter.com/bE5anZeBu4

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 25, 2025

Mumpfield likes to compare his game to a variety of NFL receivers from Davante Adams for his release to Dionte Johnson for what he can do at the top of his routes. But it’s Buffalo Bills wide out Amari Cooper that he aligns with the most.

“I love just how sudden and twitchy he is. Amari Cooper, growing up watching him, that’s honestly why I wore nine,” Mumpfield said. “Any time I’d watch film and apply those things in game, I kind of see what he’s doing in-game, how it’s working for him and then I go out and practice it. His release game, I love his release package. I feel like it’s one of the best in the world.”

In a mock draft in early February, Konata Mumpfield was projected to go 203rd overall (sixth round) to the Los Angeles Rams, per Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network.

No matter what the future holds, Mumpfield remains grounded by relying on his family and faith.

“Always have confidence in myself. We’re human, we going to have doubts, you going to lose confidence. If you keep a good foundation — luckily I have a great support system. I’m very big in my faith, so just understanding that God has a plan and he made me for a purpose.”

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Indianapolis, Ind.