2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brandon Savage, DB, Norfolk State
- Name: Brandon Savage
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 176
- Position: DB
- College: Norfolk State University
- Twitter: _B1GG1E
- Instagram: bsav21_
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
Coming to Norfolk State has allowed a lot of my dreams to come true. I was able to come here alongside my older brother, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of my time here. My major is in Sociology, and I have a minor in Criminal Justice.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My best qualities are my leadership and knowledge of the game. I’m a vocal leader on and off the field. I have a good football IQ which comes from having a coach for a dad and brothers that also played football.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve played every position in the secondary from corner, nickel and safety. I have the ability to play in man and zone coverage as well as press or off coverage. I have learned a lot from Roman Morris and Troy Vincent. My knowledge of the game allows me to adapt to every situation. Despite my size, I love to tackle. I have the heart of a LB and the mind of a QB. I feel that my skills are best used in a zone scheme where I can manipulate the WR & QB, bluffing coverage and making plays on the ball.
I’ve had a ton of experience in special teams, playing kickoff or punt coverage. I feel like I really excel on special teams coverage, and it shows on film.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I’ve had some good battles with Zach Leslie from NC A&T. He’s a tall receiver with strong hands. Matthew McDonald is an even taller receiver who plays for Howard. My battles with him go way back. We used to play for the same high school. He’s a smooth route runner with deceptive speed.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Isaiah Winstead was one of the earliest teammates who impressed me with his ability. He took his talents to Toledo where he’s doing very well. Da’Quan Felton is a talented young receiver on our team. I’ve enjoyed seeing him step into more of a leadership role. Justin Smith is one of the most impressive players that I’ve seen, and I was happy we had him on our team. He was very reliable and had the craziest hands.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
After the 2019 season, there were a lot of things that were happening in the world and my personal life. My dad had been diagnosed with ALS, and I took it upon myself to be one of his primary caretakers. COVID was also happening, and the pandemic completely shut down our season. I withdrew from school for a while, thinking that I might be done with football. Yet, I believe that was a big test from God. I had long talks with my father who didn’t want me to throw away what I had worked so hard for. I decided to come back. So, I got my mind right and started to watch film in order to prepare for the season. This past season was one of the best of my career. I’m happy that I was able to come back and do well, although I am excited to see what this year holds.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would probably wrestle. I ran track and wrestled in high school. I love wrestling. I wrestled for a long time, and was actually nationally ranked in middle school. I went to top notch tournaments and won a few state championships.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m proud of everything that I’ve been able to overcome and also proud of changing the culture at our school. I’m proud of all the accolades that I’ve been able to accomplish that have silenced some of my critics. Yet, I am most proud of my daughter. Being a father is definitely my biggest achievement.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable moment would have to have been during my freshman season. We were playing Delaware State at home, and I caught my first Int which turned into an 80-yard touchdown. When I got into the endzone, I didn’t have a celebration in mind. Although, when I got to the sideline, my brother had the biggest smile on his face. I knew he was very proud, and we were able to soak in the moment.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete in the NFL right now is Jaire Alexander. My dad was a big fan of the Steelers. So, I followed them. One of my favorite players of all-time is Troy Polamalu. I try to model myself after him. He was so relentless and always found a way to make plays.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Cle is a personal friend of mine whose music I enjoy. The one song I have to have on my playlist before a game is “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom’s turkey wings or chicken alfredo.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Friday Night Lights. Prison Break is one of my favorite TV shows. Denzel Washington is my favorite actor.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a fairly easy-going guy. One of the things that I like to do is create videos on iPad or MacBook. I hope to transition into making a docu-series very soon.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My “Why” is for the younger me. My family and friends motivate me. I do this for the younger me who will make up from the dream of making it to the NFL and actually be there. I don’t want to let younger me down.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.