Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Michael Orakpo, LB, Texas State University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Mike Orakpo

Where do you play college football?

Texas State University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Oklahoma State, Baylor, UH, Colorado State, Boise State

Where are you from?

Born & raised Houston Texan

Who is your role model, and why?

My older Brother Brian Orakpo, because growing up watching him I developed a good work ethic because I know what it took.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Panthers, Cowboys, Browns, Falcons, 49ers, Texans, Lions…. I’ve been told I can play Inside Linebacker in a 3-4 and Weakside Backer in a 4-3 Scheme.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Basketball was my first love until I realized I wouldn’t be real tall

At your position, what separates you from others?

I consider myself a complete Linebacker, I can rush, I can play the run, I can drop. I’m Both Physical and Athletic….

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for tendencies, Do they like to run to the 3 Tech side, weak side, strong side, What are their check downs? Hurry up Plays? How do they handle blitzes? Route combinations.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Colin Kaepernick at Nevada

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

Von Miller

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Being dismissed from CSU and being able to bounce back, have a good year last year and on now on pace to finish this semester with an Economics degree

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Music, pregame prayer with my brothers

What is your biggest strength?

My Work ethic, Leadership quality, and knowledge of football

What is your biggest weakness?

I believe My in-game Footwork can improve

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

This is a player who has played in a 4-3 scheme, 3-4 scheme, and a 4-2-5 scheme. He has faced adversity and always overcome it. He can rush, he can drop, and he also can stuff the gaps. He is an athletic every down Linebacker who I believe can help us win some Ball Games.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Ray Lewis, Houston Texans

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Muhammad Ali, MLK, Jay Z