NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Austin Blake-Smith, TE, West Florida

What is your name?

Austin Blake-Smith

What is your Height/Weight?

195cm (6’4 3/4) 247 lbs

What is your position?

Tight End

Where do you play college football?

The University of West Florida (previously UTSA)

Where are you from?

Fayetteville, Georgia

Who is your role model, and why?

Derek Carr because he’s not only a great player but a devout, unashamed Christ-follower.

was your favorite teacher?

Sal Argila. He was my high school baseball coach that taught me how to be coachable.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I grew up playing baseball and actually didn’t play football until my senior year of Highschool.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Marcus Davenport—he brought it every day in practice.

Who is the most underrated player on your team? Probably our center Devin Gibson. O-lineman doesn’t get much glory to begin with and he is the glue and the orchestrator up front.

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill, ask West Georgia.

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

Greg Olsen because I feel we are both sure-handed, run great routes, have a high football IQ, make our teammates better and are vital to our team’s success (as shown by Carolina’s record without him on the field).

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

The divorce of my parents— their unconditional love through it all.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I pray aloud for my position group, my coach, and other players that allow me or ask me to as well.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

Knocking an LB’s helmet off as I ran him over on the opening drive of the 2017 D2 National Championship.

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

Introducing someone to The Lord & later walking them through their decision accept salvation.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Atlanta Falcons

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

MLK, Jon Gruden, Tom Brady