Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Brandon Denmark, LB, Florida A&M University
Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Brandon Denmark, LB, Florida A&M University
Brandon Denmark might be one of the most freakish athletes in the HBCU. Denmark was a transfer from Illinois, and stepped in the Rattlers defense causing problems for opposing offenses. Denmark has great size and speed and could be a guy like Brandon Hepburn last year to sneak into the later end of the draft.
How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
16
Where did you choose and why?
I chose to go to Illinois because I was comfortable being there with both of my recruiting coaches Paul Petrino leaving Arkansas a week before my signing had a big impact.
What are your goals for your senior year?
Just be a great leader, and good energy to my team and my defense letting my guys and coaches know that they have my 110% effort.
Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
I’ve met with a couple. They all like my physique, speed, and energy. They want me to work a little more on using my hands and focus more on my technique.
At your position, what separates you from the others?
My speed definitely, I’m sure I’ll be one of the fastest linebackers if not the fastest in 2014.
Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
Snap counts on the center, Tendencies with signals on QB TO WR’s, signals that could hint run or pass, I watch lineman to see how they step, look for personnel in offense and formations, favorite runs and passes, key players.
Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
If I had to pick someone I would say the RB Jackson from Bethune Cookman.
If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
Patrick Willis when it comes to speed,energy and getting sideline to sideline. Also Wright OLB for the Seahawks great speed rush and pursuit to the ball.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle for me and still is being the underdog. When I went to the U of I I knew I was better but I didn’t get the opportunity I needed, FAMU I did great but I still feel like I’m looked at as underrated, but I feel that the best way to overcome it is to embrace it. The underdogs are always the most dangerous.
What system fits your style of play the best?
3-4 most definitely being that 4th rusher and also having the ability to drop in coverage and run with WR’s and RB’s is definitely a blessing. Maybe DE in 4-3 or 3rd down.
What is your biggest strength?
Athleticism, Speed, Student of the Game
What is your biggest weakness?
Getting off blocks
If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?
I’m a jack of all trades, I can play any position on the field whether it be OLB,ILB,DE,SS. I learn very quickly and I have a true passion for this game. My athleticism in a great coaches hands the sky is the limit.
Growing up, who was your role model?
My parents, they put they’re all into shielding us from falling victim to the the system and making sure we had a education and pursuing our dream.
Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
Well in HS when I played WR, I went where Randy Moss went lol. But now I don’t really have a favorite team, my Top 3 Favorite linebackers are: Patrick Willis,Demarcus Ware, Ray Lewis of course.
What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?
When I was in the 3rd grade, my home burned down the day before Thanksgiving, all I had was a jacket to my name. Nothing but God got me thru, til this day I use those as one of my motivation events in my mind before a game, because no one was there, but my Family, football is the same way “We All We Got” sticks with me.
If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
Jesus, Ray Lewis and Skylar Diggins she’s so beautiful.
With your first paycheck what would you buy?
Honestly nothing I’ll save it until the next 2-3 checks then we would talk lol. But if I had to choose. I would buy my mother and father a trip to anywhere they would want to go and thank them for always being my #1 supporters.
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