2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brandon Mincey, LB, SE Missouri State University

• Name: Brandon Mincey
• Position: LB
• College: SE Missouri State University 
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 230 lbs
• Twitter: @__6ways
• Instagram: @deuce_era2 

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

• When it comes to my energy on the field I am the type of player that is just excited to be on the field and who loves every moment of the game. From the time I wake up on game day until the end of the game, my energy is something I want my teammates, coaches, opponents, and fans to feel whenever I am on the field. Whether I am talking with my teammates and coaches on the sidelines going through corrections, or even on the sideline trying to keep my teammate’s energy up and routing for the offense or special teams to make a play, my presence will be felt.

2. What should we know about Brandon Mincey the person?

• When it comes to me as a person I am a very laid-back guy that does not like to get involved in too many outside distractions and that with every opportunity and accomplishment I have been blessed with I make sure to give thanks to God. Also, I am the type of person that whenever I am not at practice or working out, I am either studying/watching a film on the team we play that week or I am just relaxing in my room watching NFL games, College games, or NBA games depending on the day of the week. As a kid growing up I have always enjoyed playing/watching sports. I played dual sports until my junior year of high school and I also played travel basketball. So with that I have always kept myself up to date with sports.

3. What sets you apart from other linebackers?

• I feel what sets me apart from other linebackers is that I am not just your typical hard-nosed linebacker that can only play the downhill run game. I am athletic enough to go out in man-to-man coverage and cover any tight end or running back. Whether they are lined up in the box or if they are displaced as a receiver, I know that I can follow them, and 9 times out of 10 they will not catch the ball on me or the quarterback will not even look their way.

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

• The player I would want to hang out with for a day is Devin White. The reason why is because ever since he was at LSU he’s been my favorite linebacker, to the point that I watch his highlights before every game. I also feel that our game is similar to each other. I will use the day to pick his brain to learn his thought processes and the work he puts in daily to be a star linebacker both at the collegiate and NFL levels. Also, how does he gain the confidence of his teammates and coaches to trust and believe in him as an incoming rookie and take over a championship defense as a young linebacker.

5. What are your favorite things about playing football for SEMO?

• One of my favorite things about playing football at SEMO are the coaches and their leadership. The coaches are going to push and coach you hard no matter if you are a player that is held at a high standard or if you are on the scout team. The coaches at SEMO are going to give you their best every day either in the meeting room or on the field. As a player, it is only right that I do the same. I believe because of their leadership, I will be prepared for the next level.
• Another one of my favorite things about playing football at SEMO is the love and support of the fans and how much the community is supportive of the football program. No matter if we are undefeated or have a losing record, the fans will be out at Houck Stadium every Saturday afternoon cheering us on.

6. How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

• The way I go about handling my challenges through life and on the field is keeping my faith and that one person in my corner that I can talk to is my dad. My dad has helped guide me through many obstacles and decisions. He has guided me through tough situations that led to positive results. There were points in my college career when I felt discouraged, but with continuous daily conversations with my dad, he guided me in the right direction. My dad’s guidance has made a lasting impact in my life as a player, a leader, and a man.

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

• What I love about the game of football is making that play when my opponent knows that it will be a long game. I also love the competitiveness of the sport, the support from the fans, and how a diverse team of young men can come together from different states and build a bond to play for each other with an end goal of “WINNING” in mind.

8. What is your typical training routine?

• Whenever I am in off-season training, my typical training routines are structured daily. I will start my day with a healthy breakfast. I will then head over to the scheduled training facility and get a warm-up in before going through the scheduled workout for the day. Most of my workout routines consist of fieldwork that involves footwork drills, linebacker, and defensive back drills, pass coverage drills, speed and conditioning, and hip flexibility. After fieldwork, I transition to my lift workout routines which consist of: bench press, squats, and other workouts to help with small muscles and flexibility which helps transition onto the field. At the end of each workout, I receive recovery and treatment sessions. These simple but important treatments involves a recovery stretch and an ice bath.

9. What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

• I believe the keys to success on the football field are being confident in yourself and your abilities, but also, having the confidence from your teammates and coaches. You can be the most talented player in the world, but if your coaches and teammates can not count on you to execute your assignment then you become unreliable and can be considered an undisciplined player. Additional keys to success on the football field is having love, effort, attitude, and discipline.

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

• A team will get someone that is a dog and the complete package. They will get someone that is not only great on defense against the run or pass game but also, someone that can make an impact on special teams. Most players may not understand the importance of a special team’s effect on the game. One small mistake on special teams can place your offense or defense in a bad position. A team will also get a player that is confident in what I bring to the table, but someone that will not only work hard in the presence of everyone but also behind closed doors when others are not putting work in. A team will get a player that is disciplined on the field, in the film room, and in the weight room. There is always room for improvement and I will improve in all aspects of my game.

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

1. One of my favorite moments I will remember the most was this past weekend on my senior night and playing in my final home game with my brothers as we knocked off the number eight team in the country.
2. Another moment was in 2019 when SEMO was conference champions in my first year and we were blessed with a spot in the FCS playoffs.
3. Another favorite moment was my senior season at American Heritage (Plantation) when I helped lead my team to its first perfect season and win a state championship.

12. Rank focus,footwork and skill. Based on what is most important to you as a football player?

1. I will rank focus as number one because I am a true believer that the game is 75 percent mental. A player has to be able to handle distractions on and off the field. As an inside linebacker, who is considered the quarterback of the defense, they cannot be distracted about what is happening around him or the previous play. He has to be able to focus on the next play or assignment and make sure his teammates are aligned correctly. A player’s focus also has to do with being able to deal with adversity and have short-termed memory. A player must be able to know how to handle adversity and not let it take over you because in that split second if one worries then he is not focused on the task at hand and it will not only hurt you but also hurt your team.
2. I will rank skill as number two. In today’s game, it is required that an inside linebacker must display a hybrid skillset. This is because a player must be skilled enough to handle the run game as well as the passing game at a high level.
3. I will rank footwork third but it is a very important aspect of the game. In the game, today offensive linemen are becoming more athletic. As a linebacker having great footwork is mandatory when having to change directions quickly.