Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, OL, New Mexico State University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Valerian Ume-Ezeoke

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2 303

What is your position?

Center

Where do you play college football?

New Mexico State university

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

5 school were recruiting me out of college( Texas state , nm state , Air Force, Colorado state , Sam Houston state)

How did you choose your school?

I chose the school that I felt most comfortable at

Where are you from?

Dallas, Texas

Who is your role model, and why?

My parents are my role model because they have worked hard for everything that have gotten. So working hard is instilled in me now.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

No I haven’t met with any scouts

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes, basketball

Did you play any other positions in football?

Yes, I played guard in college and defensive tackle in high school

At your position, what separates you from others?

I feel like I’m very fast off the ball, my reaction is what separates me from others at the center position. I am able to break down a defense before every snap. I was the player who made every call during my collegiate years.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When I break down film I tend to look for tendencies. I break down the defensive of front to see what they like to do. I like to check to see if their stance changes because that usually tells where they are going. I like to break how many time a team blitz to see when and what package they usually do it from. I really like to break down things that will help put my offense in a great position. So there is so much more but that’s just the few things I pick out while breaking down film.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

I would say Ra’shede Hageman for Minnesota was the best player I went against.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

I would say Jason Kelce because of his quickness and athleticism

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle was being underrated through high school. I used this to fuel me throughout college and ended up being on the Rimington watch list ( award given to the best center in the FBS) two years in a row and ended up being a 1st team All Sun Belt selection my senior year

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Praying

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is run blocking. I have quick feet and I am able to get on linebackers

What is your biggest weakness?

My weakness sometimes is my hand placement.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

You won’t have to worry about me on the field and off the field.