2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: LaMartez Brooks, WR, Murray State

• Name: LaMartez Brooks
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 210 lbs.
• Position: WR
• College: Murray State University
• Twitter: LaMartezDBrooks
• Instagram: _agent21

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I recently graduated with a major in Organizational Communication with a minor in Physical Education. I decided on those because I wanted them to benefit me outside of football and help me relate to people in the workforce. I’ve always been active, and I enjoyed taking classes where I was able to coach many sports. Currently, I am in a post-baccalaureate program where I can further my Physical Education minor so that I will have 2 bachelor’s degrees. I also volunteered for tornado relief after what happened in Mayfield, Kentucky this past December and helped to pick up debris.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I try to be someone who leads by example on the field. My playmaking ability allows me to be the tone setter on the field. I keep good positive energy that everyone in the receiving group can feed off of.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve lined up all over the field, playing on the outside, slot and even occasionally at RB in certain packages. I’ve been used everywhere in order to benefit the team. We have somewhat switched our focus and scheme over the past couple years with a different coaching staff. We once were a pass-heavy air raid offense, whereas now we are moving towards a run-first offense. I haven’t been on special teams as much as I used to. I have covered kickoffs and even been the return specialist on punts.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Shabari Davis was a very athletic and smart DB for SEMO. You could tell that he studied and knew his assignment. You felt his confidence in his place and knew that he did his homework.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
In 2019, my QB was Drew Anderson, and he was a very good leader. It was like having a coach in a player’s body. He brought the team together and knew what every person was supposed to do on the field.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My biggest struggle has been dealing with the loss of my grandfather. His loss was very sudden and unexpected last June before the season. My family has dealt with a lot of grief over the situation. It depressed me to the point where I didn’t know if I wanted to come back and play football. Yet, I talked it over with my family, and they encouraged me to stick with it. Football has allowed an escape from everything going on in the outside world, where all I have to deal with is between the lines. It’s where I am able to have positive energy and do something that brings me joy.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would have played baseball or soccer. I played outfield in high school and had a decent arm. Soccer was enjoyable as well because it still had contact. As a goalie, I excelled with my ability to track the ball and have good hands.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m the first generation in my family to finish college and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I have been named 2-time All-OVC First Team.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my most memorable moments happened on Nov 10, 2018 when we played SEMO. The score was 31-0 at half-time, and we came back to win that game 40-38. In the 4th quarter, I was able to snag a jump ball for a touchdown which gave us the lead. The following possession, SEMO was able to score. Yet, when they went for the squib kickoff (with me out as a blocker), Malik Honeycutt was able to take it to the house, helping us get the walk-off win.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Chad Ochocinco is one of my favorite players. I love his confidence in the game. He would tell you his route and still get open to make the play.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Lil Boosie. My pump-up music before a game is older R&B like Sir Charles or Anthony Hamilton. I could also go for Hispanic music like Bad Bunny.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Fruit Snacks.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is The Blacklist. My favorite actors would be Denzel Washington and Sandra Bullock.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to go fishing or play video games. I also like to ride my Yamaha R6 motorcycle. I am also teaching myself to play guitar.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My “why” for playing is that it’s where the world stops, and I get a chance to showcase all of my talents on the field. I’m able to play because of the sacrifices that I have made as well all of the sacrifices that my family has done in order to make it all possible. Football allows everyone to come together and bond regardless of the environment or culture everyone comes from. It has taught me a lot and given me great friends that I would have never had.