2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mitchell Brinkman, TE, University of South Florida

• Name: Mitchell Brinkman
• Position: TE
• College: University of South Florida 
• Height: 6′ 3″
• Weight: 250 lbs 
• Twitter:@mbrinkman89
• Instagram: @mbrinkman89

1.What are your favorite things about playing football for South Florida?

My favorite things about playing for USF are my teammates, the coaching staff and the culture we are creating here. Being from Iowa, the weather is an added bonus. 

2.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would absolutely love the opportunity to be able to hang out with Jason Witten. I grew up watching him play and his style is one that I try to mirror on the field. His perspective and knowledge about the game and tight end position would be beyond valuable. 

3.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I love having energy and bringing it onto the field, but one thing that I emphasize is focus and being able to flip the switch and get locked in immediately.

4.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My dad played football in college, and ever since I was little it has been the only thing that I’ve ever wanted to do.

5.What should people know about Mitchell Brinkman the person?

People should know that I am a very outgoing person and extremely passionate about the things that are important to me, football being above all on that list. I am a hard-working individual, and I am in a relentless pursuit of the best version of myself.

6.How do you prepare for games?

Before games I actually sit in my locker and go through the call sheet for that game and imagine each play against the different types of defenses that we plan on seeing.

7.What sets you apart from other tight ends?

The thing that sets me apart is my want to compete. I love competition and believe that it brings out the best in people. I am also extremely versatile on the football field, whether it’s in the pass game and creating plays after the catch or in the run game and being able to create a new line of scrimmage. In addition, I love learning every aspect of a playbook. I can tell you every position’s job and responsibility for each play.

8.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite team moment in my collegiate career was winning the MAC Championship in 2018. My favorite moment individually was my first touchdown reception against Ball State in 2017.

9.What is your favorite workout?

Anything in the weight room, that’s the place where you will most likely find me!

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team should know that I pride myself on being the hardest worker in the room and I will do everything I can on and off the field for the betterment of my team. I bring a vibrant energy to every aspect of football, and when coupled with my work ethic I have become a natural leader for my teammates and an asset for coaches. 

11.What do you love about the game of football?

I love everything about the game whether it’s the physicality or the mental aspect. There is no better feeling than being able to read a defense and knowing where they are going and what they are doing, before they do it.

12.What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Just to get the opportunity to play this great game that I love. We have been working extremely hard as a team and I cannot wait to put it together on the field.