2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Pop Lacey, S, New Hampshire University
- Name: Pop Lacey
- Height: 6’0
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Position: Safety
- College: New Hampshire University
- Twitter: @poplacey_4
Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?
The best way to describe UNH is that it is a large family. All the people you come into contact with are open and welcoming. I majored in Communication with a minor in sports studies. Campus life is very alive and vibrant during the warm months, but when it gets cold, it can be a little dead with the exception of people walking to classes.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
It would be my leadership style and my work ethic. I am vocal and can bring out the best in my teammates. I was able to demonstrate that even when I was injured because I could lead by example, but the example I set before I was injured allowed me to continue to motivate my teammates from the sidelines.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself being able to make an impact wherever a team needs me. I can play special teams and I think that I could fit well in any defensive scheme because of the versatility I have being able to play multiple positions. Strong safety suits my skill set even though I was not given the opportunity to play that position in college. I can blitz and be effective in the run game as a strong safety.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Laviska Shenault. He was a strong, physical, and fast Wide Receiver with size and athleticism.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Gunner Gibson. He is a tremendous athlete, can play both sides of the ball and he is a long snapper. Max Brosmer is another teammate that impressed me. His work ethic and command as a true freshman quarterback stood out to me.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
This past season, my senior year, when I broke my foot in practice. This happened after my fifth game and took me out for the rest of the season. Not knowing whether I would be able to come back for another season with a medical redshirt or to start training for my professional career in the NFL has been extremely difficult.
Coming out of high school, I had no D1 offers and a D3 coach told me that I would never be good enough to play D1 football, so I went to prep school. Coming out of prep school I had an offer to go to UNH and ended up starting as a freshman in a D1 program. Faith and family have gotten me through all of these difficult times when no one else has believed in me.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would play baseball. I was a heck of a short stop and center fielder. Baseball was my number one sport until Junior year of high school. When I got on base, it was almost an automatic run every time.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being named a captain my senior year. Being voted by my teammates and coaches as someone they respected enough to be their captain meant the world to me.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career?
My first career interception, a pick-six against Maine. The score ended up 24-21 and without that touchdown we would have lost. It was an amazing feeling being able to help my team win the musket.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Ed Reed, the plays he made were second to none and he was a true playmaker.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
J Cole/Kendrick Lamar. I enjoy the type of inspirational music that these two artists put out. It helps to change your mindset, especially on game days.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chick-fil-A. Unmatched and unbeaten. Enough said.
Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
Denzel Washington/Will Smith.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
I hang out with my family, watch film, or school my younger siblings in basketball. I also would like to say that I am pretty good at Dominos and at some card games like when I play poker with my friends. I also can complete a rubix cube.
Who or what motivates you the most?
My parents and younger siblings. My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be in the position I am in. I also need to be a constant role model for my younger siblings. Everything I do is for them. I play for them, and I am gonna become successful so that my younger siblings and people who come after me continue to strive and believe in their dreams.
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