NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Chester Brown, OL, University of Central Florida
What is your name?
Chester Brown
What is your Height/Weight?
6’5″ / 340lbs
What is your position?
Guard
Where do you play college football?
University of Central Florida
Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?
The coolest thing I’ve done was probably going out with the team around Christmas time and gave back to less fortunate children by buying them Christmas gifts. I know what it’s like not opening gifts or even getting gifts around Christmas time and I know that if someone did this for me a little kid I would have been so grateful. Seeing their smiles and getting that tight hug from them just lets you know that you aren’t only helping them by proving them a Christmas but by being an example.
What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?
Probably anatomy, just having to memorize every bone and muscle in the body is hard, it’s A LOT.
Where are you from?
Mo’ototua, Samoa
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is my dad. He taught me the true definition of humility and of working hard. My father wasn’t and still isn’t rich but nothing ever stopped him from providing a home and food for all of us. He taught me how to be a man but most importantly he taught me how to be a father. My dad has always been my number one fan and will always be, whether I win or lose.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played basketball and rugby.
Did you play any other positions in football?
I played defensive and offensive tackle.
At your position, what separates you from others?
My speed, I’m really quick off the ball and once you get me going I’m impossible to stop. My drive too, I’ve seen the bottom and I don’t want to be there, football is everything to me and no one understands the opportunities it’s given me.
When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?
I look for tendencies, coverages, linebacker levels, line games, safety rotations, and pressures. “See a little, see a lot. See a lot, see nothing” – Greg Austin
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?
I am my own toughest player.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
Mike Iupati, because he’s a dominate run blocker, he creates a new line of scrimmage, opens holes for his running backs, and is violent with his hands on pass protection. He plays with great balance.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle in life was when all my college offers were taken back and I had to de-commit from Georgia due to not being a citizen. Overcoming this was not easy because I had my mind set on Georgia and being apart of Mark Richts team, but I had to look at the positive side of it, I still had the ability to play, as UCF had still offered me. I was given a second chance to get a college education and play a game that I love. That’s how I overcame it. God is good, all the time.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I pray before each game and write the names of people I love on my tape to remind me to push harder and harder, no matter the guy I’m up against.
What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is run blocking.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is pass protection.
If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?
“One chance, just give me a chance to prove myself and show you what I’m capable of and what I’m able to produce. You can’t win without taking a risk, I’ll be the greatest decision you’ll make, guaranteed.”
Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?
My favorite player growing up was Rey Maualuga from the Bengals, he was a fierce player. That man never stopped trying to show people what he’s capable of! He’s just a really strong guy and never quit and I feel like I can relate to him on a personal level, I mean he’s the reason why I wore the number 58 in high school and then my final year of college.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
I would have to say Jesus, my grandmother, and my mother-in-law. I mean I know a lot of people are putting famous people or someone they looked up to as a child but mine is different. I owe everything I have and every opportunity to Jesus for dying for my sins. My grandmother was always supportive of me growing up and knew that I was capable of great things, I deserve to show her to this day that I will be great. My mother-in-law, she had just passed away this last year, April 2016, it gave me a bigger reason to play harder. She believed in me, she loved me, and she pushed me further, I knew that every game we went out to that I was playing with her on my shoulder.
What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?
Outside of the regular purchase of house and car, I want to start a foundation and fundraiser to help find a cure for cancer, not just one type but multiple types. All cancer is bad, so I don’t think one should get a majority of proceeds or attention. I want to devote time and money to everyone suffering and battling cancer so they know that even at the lowest points in life, I’ve got their back.
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