2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ellison Hubbard, DL, Sam Houston State

• Name: Ellison Hubbard
• Position: DL
• College: Sam Houston State
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 291
• Twitter: @ellisonfhubbard
• Instagram: @big_ehubb

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

What makes me a top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft is my pass rush ability. After having 5 years of experience in college and pass-rushing with a pass-rush specialist, Chuck Smith, helps me be able to pass rush at a high level. Also, my play making ability is what I believe makes me a top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

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

Ever since  I was six years old I have been playing the game I love, football. I was put into it and I just couldn’t resist going on the field and making plays. 

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

One thing they should know about me is that I never give up and I never quit. I fight through pain and troubles to stay on the field and stay out of the training room. Football is a top priority in my life. 

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

I would donate to ending childhood cancer. It’s scary that kids get cancer at a very young age when they should be growing up like me and living a good life like I am. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I received is don’t try to be someone else, but try to be the best you. I think by applying that to my everyday life then I would truly be the best at whatever I do. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was Jerome Bettis. He inspired me to want to play in the NFL. People called me the bus as a kid and I took it and ran with it. I had his book and everything. 

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

I think it is Sincere Jackson. His hard work is unmatched and he shows it every day on and off the field. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Guys that don’t want to grind. It doesn’t have to be football or sports-related, but just in general, everyone needs to grind whether it is in class, at work, or even in relationships. 

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

Overcoming being doubted at the school I graduated from was very hard for me. I was a top guy for years and when things changed, I was hit hard. But, I didn’t let it change me or ruin me, what I did was pushed through and never gave in to the doubt. 

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

Sam Houston State is a winning football school. Special people have come through here and there will continue to be special people coming through here. The coaches and players are great and love to ball and grind like no other. We are truly family here. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is oreos. I will always eat oreos until they get rid of oreos. 

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football is the grind. Every day waking up gets stronger and faster because you’re doing what you love. 

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

I would say that you are going to get a hardworking, always happy, and a strong impactful person out of me. 

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

I would like to compare it to Aaron Donald because one: he’s my favorite player, and two: I am very quick on my feet. 

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

Aaron Donald because he’s my favorite player and I could learn a lot from him. Kevin Hart because he’s funny and laughing is all I do. And then Stephen A. Smith because he does what I want to do in the future.