2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nate Hobbs, CB, University of Illinois

• Name: Nate Hobbs
• Position: CB
• College: Illinois
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: @based_nvte

Right now, people are not talking about you the way I feel they should. Do you feel you are an underdog?

Definitely, I feel if someone projected as a day 2 guy would have put up the numbers I put up they would have been in the conversation for a Day 1 pick. I recently looked on Twitter to see the RAS analytic grades and I was a top-five cornerback in the grades. I know that is not the end all be all, but I have to agree with it. Whether it was at the CGS, Hula Bowl I turned heads and made noise. All the scouts walked away impressed. I embrace the underdog role. I am from Louisville, Kentucky, I was not highly recruited out of high school, but that has been my entire journey in football. Illinois took a chance on me and I feel I did what I had to do in the Big Ten to be a draftable guy. I love being an underdog.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about Nate Hobbs?

I can play any position in the defensive backfield. Safety, Nickel, Outside, and I am a competitor. There will not be a player who will outwork me on the field or the film room. I will compete with anybody.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

Mentally Disabled People – My family took care of an adult female that was mentally disabled for about 8 years. She lived with us and she became a sister to me. That hit my heart and the mentally disabled are still people too. They did not ask for that, they were born that way. They have a lot to offer the world.

Also, kids that are stuck in poverty or in need. If I can make a foundation for kids in need, I would like that. That is how I grew up, some have a disadvantage before they are born, so If I can be a mentor or help with this I am going to do it. I want to help expand their opportunities.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My Mother! She is the strongest person I have ever met. She has been through so many challenges and she has taken care of 4 children by herself. My father passed away at the age of 12. My Mother made many sacrifices, including picking me up late from practice, making ends meet, trying to pay bills, staying on top of everything. She has never quit. She continues to grind, for us to be okay. She is my hero, and that is why I go so hard now and why I am so persistent & resilient in this process.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at Illinois? 

Tony Adams, has faced tons of adversity. He has fought through injuries, but he puts on hard hat and goes to work every day. He has switched positions and he finds a away everytime to win the spot or be the guy. He works his butt off every day.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When someone tells you they are going to do something, giving you their word, and then don’t follow through. It really pisses me off, because I do not feel you should tell someone you are going to do something if you are not going to do it.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

I have two, the first would have to be seeing my Father die. I was there when my Father passed away. I had to overcome the obstacles that came from that. We were already on the edge of being poor, and with my Mom being a single parent we had to figure things out. I had to become a man.

My Uncle also died last year. He was the man that stepped up being a role model from my high school to my college days. Those are the two toughest situations I had to go through.

Tell me something about Illinois and why it is so special to you?

It is a special place because that was the only Power 5 who gave me a chance. Coach Smith gave me a chance so I have a lot of love for them. I had many FCS offers and D2 offers, but Power 5 wise they gave me a shot.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I have to go with Takis, I am trying to stay away from them, but I love Takis, I cannot lie.

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

I am the best cornerback in this draft!

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

Jaire Alexander, not only is Jaire twitchy, fast and quick, he is aggressive. He can play off a block, fill a gap if needed. He can play zone and man, he is super athletic and aggressive at the same time.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Muhammad Ali is from my hometown, so he would be the first. He is the greatest to do it, I would try to pick his brain apart. I would have to say G Herbo, because he is my favorite rapper, and my Father. I would love to just sit down with my Pops just one more time to tell him how far I made it.