NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Clarence Bumpas, LB, Northern Colorado

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Clarence Bumpas, LB, Northern Colorado 

Clarence Bumpas has to overcome quite a bit to get where he is today, but he has never lost faith and continued to pursue his dreams.  Earlier this year after losing his child, Bumpas put up career numbers and made an impact for the Northern Colorado football program.  Bumpas finished on the Buck Buchanan Award watch list, and was a force his Senior season.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

3 schools that were recruiting and making me offers out of high school were; CSU Ft. Collins, Kansas State University, and New Mexico State University.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Kansas State University for a few reasons mainly because it was the only official visit I attended, I enjoyed myself, and I enjoyed the atmosphere.

What were your goals for your senior year?

Despite my senior season being over at this point my goals consisted of having a winning season, winning conference and going to the playoffs, and winning the Buchanan award.

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

Over the course of the season, I spoke with roughly 20 scouts, most of them told me the same thing. “Work on your flexibility and have fun, because they are looking for guys who enjoy playing the game.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I would say my nose for the ball and ability to get to it.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

I look mostly for major tendencies in lineman, running backs, and quarterbacks.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

In the Big Sky Conference I would say Zach Bauman from Northern Arizona.

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

Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers.

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

The biggest obstacle I have faced to date was the murder of my 2 year old son. How I overcame it, was being positive and channeling my energy in to being the example of a man I would have wanted my son to follow after.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhFZmVTpZog

What system fits your style of play the best?

Honestly in the NFL I do not think there is a such thing as a system that fits a player, instead I think it is the player that fits into the system. That being said there is no specific system that would best fit me, any program given the chance could be a match.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength would have to be my ability to find the ball.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is at times I tend to be over analytical and in doing so I tend to place myself in positions that put me out of the play.

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

I can be the missing piece willing to play any position and any role for the opportunity to play.

Growing up, who was your role model?

My mother, she has and remains to be the rock of my foundation. She raised both my sister and me on her own and never made excuses just made things happen.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

My favorite team in the NFL is The Dallas Cowboys, but my favorite player was Ray Lewis. I like the Cowboys, because that is the team I was brought up on and my grandmothers favorite as well. Ray Lewis, because he is truly one of the greatest linebackers to ever put on a pair of shoulder pads. He was a leader, motivator, and a monster between the white lines that is the kind a player every athlete wants to be.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

Again the most tragic even in my life took place just this past June when my son was taken from me. I overcame the incident by remaining positive and really molding myself into the type of man I want my son to follow.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

I would have dinner with Malcolm X, Mahatma Gandhi, and Genghis Kahn.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

With my first paycheck I would buy my mother a nice house and car.

Damond Talbot

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 nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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