2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Aaron Baum, K, Murray State University
- Name: Aaron Baum
- Position: K
- College: Murray State University
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 224 lbs
- Twitter: @Aaron_Baum18
- Instagram: @aaronbaum39
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I watched football with my dad growing up as huge Buffalo Bills fans and I was really athletic as a kid and football was free. So I have always been a fan of football.
What sets you apart from other kickers?
Two things my leg strength number one and I think I kick the ball alot higher and farther than most and second I have a really good approach to the mental side of the kicking game and done alot of sports psychology research so I know what situation will happen when it comes.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
There was one day I had a big game as a kicker where my uncle was there and I kicked a long field goal and threw a 2 pt conversion and won OVC special teams player of the week. And my second favorite would be kicking the game winning field goal against SE Missouri State to win the game.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
Josh Allen, from the Bills. He is my favorite player and a really cool guy and I think he would be fun to hang out with.
What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?
I think the biggest thing is everyone needs to trust each other on the football field.
What should we know about Aaron Baum the person?
I definitely want people to know that I’m a hard worker who doesn’t give up on anything and as a kicker I could’ve given up. I’m a caring person and I have a good sense of humor and I am very much a student of the kicking game and take pride in being a kicker.
What is a moment that improved you as a football player?
The moment of my first ever college field goal in my second game at Murray State against SE Missouri State that taught me how to handle the emotions. And I learned you can’t celebrate until after the game as a kicker.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Our punter Lewis Halton, I definitely think he is a very underrated punter and the punter conditions in this part of the country like in Murray State’s stadium is very hard to punt in and he does a great job of punting. And he’s also my holder and does a very good job of holding.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
By visualizing solutions and the moment before the play happens so when it comes up I can deal with it and branching out to people who are close to me to ask for help.
What would a team get in a player like you?
They would get somebody who is as well prepared as can be in the kicking position. I’ve kicked in any condition. Nothing surprises me as far as situations in game. I’m someone who doesn’t let emotions get the best of me and they would get a player who has experience in tough situations and does their job. Hard working and dedicated to the kicking game.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?
I’m just looking forward to be able to play games again and being with my teammates and playing in new stadiums and winning the Ohio Valley Conference for one possible last time and showcasing my talents and what I can show as a kicker.
What are your favorite things about playing football for Murray State?
I love the teammates, I love the coaching staff, I love being able to represent them and the culture here and the early workouts and meetings and know these moments aren’t forever.
Hula Bowl Contributor and Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen