2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah Ifanse, RB, Montana State
- Name: Isaiah Ifanse
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 205 lbs.
- Position: RB
- College: Montana State University
- Twitter: isaiahifanse
- Instagram: isaiahifanse
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?
My overall experience at Montana State has been awesome. I’ve had great professors that have been very understanding and helpful. I recently received my Bachelor’s in Business Management. Along with our team, I have volunteered within our community. We always work with the local elementary schools, reading books and playing within them. I’ve also helped with a local homeless shelter.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I may not be very vocal, but I lead by example. I go into work day in and day out and do my very best.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve been very dependable within our offense. The coaches rely on me to create a spark and get things going with our offense. Being a RB, I am very comfortable in a run-first scheme, running between the tackles and executing outside zone runs. I describe myself as a one-cut, north-south RB. Although, I am willing to do whatever is asked of me.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
In 2019, we played against Texas Tech. Jordyn Brooks was their star linebacker. Being a 1st round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks, he’s probably the best player I’ve ever faced.
I also played against Derrek Tuszka when he was playing at NDSU. We would have to come up with different schemes in order to stop him. He was a great player.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Troy Andersen is the best teammate that I have ever had. He was great in everything that he did. He never had a bad practice or game. He was perfect and exceeded expectations.
Callahan O’Reilly is a linebacker and one of the leaders of our defense. He’s been very good and should impress a lot of people this year.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During my sophomore year, I sustained an injury during week 2 which held me out of most of the season. It was my first time ever dealing with a serious injury. It made me realize that this game could be taken away from me at any time, and that I needed to make the most of my opportunity while I have it.
While I was recovering, I did the most that I could to help my teammates. I also tried to better myself by being more detailed, breaking down film. I didn’t want to be less of a player when I came back. I had to grind through the COVID season without any games. When football came back, I had the best season of my life, being named an All-American.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Either basketball or track & field. I liked basketball a lot, and I’m a big fan of the game. I did fairly well as a sprinter in track & field, and ended up making it to the State Finals.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of graduating. I am the second in my family to do so. With regards to sports, becoming an All-American was one of my biggest achievements. I was also named the 2017 Gatorade High School Player of the Year for the State of Washington.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable moment was when we played the Montana Grizzlies in 2019. Troy Andersen was out that game, making it more challenging against our rival. I filled in for him during the designated QB power plays. By the start of the 4th quarter, we had already built up a big lead. Our first drive of that quarter ended with me taking the snap, my lineman pancaked his guy. It was a walk-in touchdown and the nail in the coffin.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Kevin Durant. I have followed him and his career ever since he was drafted to the Sonics. As for football, I’ve always been a diehard 49ers fan. Frank Gore is one of my favorite players. His consistency and longevity make him one of the best RBs of our time.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Kendrick Lamar is my favorite music artist right now. As the game is about to start, I try to calm myself with artists like Gunna and Drake.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Domino’s Pizza. Chicken Bacon Alfredo.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is the Great Gatsby. The Ozarks is one of my favorite TV shows. Leonardo DiCaprio and Will Smith are two of my favorite actors.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like to play video games like Call of Duty and NBA 2K. I also have an Australian Shepherd that I like to take hiking around the Bozeman area.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Some of the interpersonal relationships that you build with football make it great. You have guys come from different areas and backgrounds who come together for a common goal.
My family motivates me the most. One day I will be able to support them by being a professional athlete.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.