2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Rashard Brown, S, Rose-Hulman

• Name: Rashard Brown
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 200 lbs.
• Position: DB
• College: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Twitter: RashardBrown24

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?
I am a Mechanical Engineering Major with an Automotive Concentration. I also compete on our varsity track and field team at my college. Additionally, I am an executive board member for my school’s National Society of Black Engineers Chapter.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates say my best quality is my competitive nature and ability to command the field. When it comes to football, I put my heart and soul into the game to be prepared in every possible way I can, not for myself but because I know my teammates are relying on me to bring everything I have.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a leader on the team whether it be leading by example or picking up my teammates when things get rough. As the free safety, I have to make sure everyone else knows their assignment and is lined up correctly, so being vocal is also a key part in my leadership role.

I pride myself in my ability to play both corner and safety confidently. I started my college career as a corner and as I got stronger and faster, my coaches began to try me at safety. I enjoy great competition, so any scheme where I am in positions to make plays and make an impact on the game suits my skill set.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Jackson Erdmann, 2018 Gagliardi Trophy winner from Saint Johns. He was able to make some impressive throws and get out of situations, forcing our defense to have to play mistake free football.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Our star defensive lineman, Tyler Smith. I have worked out with Tyler over our entire college career and watched him battle injuries but always remain dominant on the field. His work ethic is incredible, and he is someone I can rely on to do his job every down of football.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
In my high school senior year track season, I pulled my hamstring in an open 100m dash. I knew that this injury was going to try to end my season and could potentially hurt my chances to play as a freshman that fall. Instead of being upset that it happened, I went to the trainer the very next day and asked what we can do to get me back in time for regionals and ensure I will be set to get in shape for the summer. I could have very easily just thrown in the towel yet because I was committed and I knew my teammates needed me, I did everything in my power to get healthy. I ended up coming back and helping us qualify for the state championship meet where we placed fourth in the 4x100m.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football, I would run track. I have always loved the art of running and if I was solely running track, I wouldn’t have to worry about losing weight as much and could dedicate my time to my technique and speed.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of being on the path of being the first person in my family to graduate college. Seeing how happy my mom was once I graduated high school was amazing and I can’t wait to see her face once I graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. 

I would say my biggest achievement so far is doing everything I could to go to an expensive private institution for free. Rose-Hulman offers the number one engineering degree in the U.S., and my ability to graduate debt free will be a huge achievement.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of the most memorable plays of my collegiate career occurred during my sophomore season against Franklin College. It was our homecoming game, and Franklin decided to go for it on fourth and short. I remember my coach giving me the green light to blitz and I shot through the gap and absolutely flattened the running back in the backfield. It was one of the best feelings in my college career.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan because of Troy Polomalu. I have watched the way he used to run around with confidence and always making plays. When I play, he is definitely someone I try to model my game after.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is J. Cole. Before a game I have to listen to “Here Comes The Boom” by Nelly in order to get me pumped and ready to play.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is mac and cheese.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie of all time is Remember the Titans.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I play video games, golf, bowl and on occasion I go fishing. I like to be someone who can do just about anything, so I am always picking up new hobbies.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it gives me peace. Football seems to be one element in my life where I can block out the noise from life and focus on my craft. Growing up not being the biggest or strongest kid led to many people doubting my abilities and saying I will never make it. I thank those people because they were my original motivators to prove them wrong because I know what I am capable of. Being the underdog or picked to lose might be one of my greatest motivators, along with my will to compete and win. In the end, I play football because I love it. I enjoy the contact, the life lessons, the brotherhood and paths that it has opened up in my life.