2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Rudy Ngougni, DE, Long Island University

• Name: Rudy Ngougni 
• Position: DE/OLB
• College: LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 240
• Twitter: @Rudyfb_1
• Instagram: @ayyo_rude

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

The way I get after the QB with a high motor, and being able to stop the run at a high level. 

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

I first got interested in the sport around 12 years old I always wanted to play QB or TE and I got the chance to play both in high school. Used to love watching Cam Newton, and Jordan reed/Jason Witten and thought I could be like them. 

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

Want them to know they’re getting a leader, hard worker and a reliable player. Have played in every game in my collegiate career. 

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

If I could donate to a cause it would be helping fight hunger. It’s a lot people who don’t know when their next meal will be and that shouldn’t be the case. No should have to go through that as humans. Once I put myself in a good position that’s something I definitely want to help with.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Best advice I’ve got is “keep working and you get what you put in.” It’s simple but it’s reality. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was and still is my mom. She’s a single mother raising a man and always finds a way to make ends meet.

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

Most underrated teammate in my locker room is Owen Glascoe. Big and very athletic TE. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is being late. When your early to whatever it is you have going on shows a level of dedication and how much it means to you. 

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

The hardest moment I hard to overcome was coming to the US as a kid from a different country and adapting. 

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

Both NDC and LIU are special to me. From winning conference titles my first 3 years of college and playing with some great players. And at LIU the great people I have met in such the little time I’ve been there.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is cookies an cream ice cream.

What is the best part of football?

The best part about football is the competition everyone wanting to be the best and going to battle with your teammates.

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

Dedicated to what I do.

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

I wouldn’t really compare myself to one player because it’s a couple I watch film on and try to take some of their game and implement it to mine. Players like Shaq Barrett, Matt Judon. Great pass rushers.

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

Barrack Obama, Matt Judon, Shaq Barrett. It would be a great conversation and I would learn a lot from these individuals.