2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Eli Huggins, DT, Kansas State University

• Name: Eli Huggins
• Position: DT
• College: Kansas State University
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 305
• Twitter: @elihuggs
• Instagram: @elihuggins

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

I am consistent. Dependable. I play the game the right way. I eliminate mistakes and am a difference maker on the field. I have some of the best technique in college football.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was first interested at 4 years old. That’s when I saw my first football game. I started playing shortly after.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I’m smart. I finished my undergrad in 3 years and will finish my career with two masters degrees.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Wounded warriors and veterans. We wouldn’t be here without them.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Hard work works. It’s simple. There is no shortcuts.

Who was your childhood hero?

My parents. They both work incredibly hard and are amazing people.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Daniel Green. Our defense wouldn’t go without him. His leadership and play are crucial to the success of our team.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

One ply toilet paper. It should be illegal. Especially in hotels.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I graduated high school early and moved 15 hours from home to go to Kansas State. It was a different culture and I didn’t really know a single person. It forced me to grow up and develop myself quickly. It was tough in the moment but I look back at the growth fondly.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

K-State is special to me because it truly is a family. Every school talks about family. Very few actually live it. It doesn’t matter where you go around Kansas, there is wildcat fans everywhere and they would do anything for you. The friends and fans I’ve met through the years are amazing. I owe it to this great university.

What is your favorite snack food?

It has to be a tie between slim Jim’s, pork rinds and boiled peanuts.

What is the best part of football?

The people you come together with to compete. You have people from all over. All different backgrounds. To grind together for one common goal is amazing. The feeling you get when you take the field with all your guys knowing what you’ve been through together is incredible.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I won’t be out worked by anyone.

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

Healthy Akiem Hicks. He’s a great run player and an effective pass rusher when healthy.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Dave Portnoy, Joe Rogan, and Elon Musk. All three of these people have found success in completely different areas. They’ve all found ways to stay true to who they are in the current world climate but remain successful. I think picking their brains on a variety of topics would make for an interesting dinner.