2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Amlicar Polk, RB, University of Ottawa

- Name: Amlicar Polk
- Position: RB
- College: University of Ottawa
- Height: 5’9”
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Instagram: @kingkong34_
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I remember watching my older brother’s football games, seeing him break off big runs, and just hearing about the rush he felt during and after and I also wanted to experience that. Also, just seeing the community he built around himself with all his teammates and coaches, made me want to join the brotherhood.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
My favourite moments would have to be coming into the game and just being an impactful player for my team, whether it was on specials or offence. Specifically, I remember playing against the University of York in 2021 and being the 3rd string running back on my team but being put on the field for the final drive of the game needing a score to win it. The coaches and the team had faith in me to pick up my blocks and make the right run reads to help get us in a position to win that game and we did.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I am looking to be known as a reliable and versatile running back that can and will do whatever he needs to help his team win games.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
I would hang out with the great Walter Payton because I remember watching his highlights when I was younger and just trying to emulate his game on and off the field. Having read his autobiography and learned about his hard off-season workout regiment instilled in me that you always have to be working hard to be great, there’s no off switch.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My mother inspires me the most because she has sacrificed everything to give me and my other siblings a future. As a single mother, she always found a way for us to experience new activities and hobbies that allowed us to build the characters we have now. Her work ethic inspires me daily to never give up on myself or others and always challenge myself to improve.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
The RPO scheme is my favourite because it makes defences have to respect the run and pass and when they don’t then we get to punish them with a big run or pass.
What should we know about Amlicar Polk the person?
You should know that I’m a hard-working person that gives my all in everything I do and never shy away from trying new experiences and learning from my mistakes. I am very self-aware of my faults and strengths in life and always work to improve myself and learn from them.
What stands out about your film the most?
In my film, you can see how versatile I am whether that is catching passes out of the backfield or exploding out of the backfield as a running back and playing on all special teams, I always take advantage of the opportunities given to me.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I never let a setback get me down or hold me back because life is never so simple and I believe everything happens for a reason and challenges are meant to be conquered, it is just a matter of time and effort you put into reaching your goals.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A team would get a player that accepts any role given to him and will work hard to fulfill expectations set out by the team, coaches and myself to excel at the given role. The goal of the game is to win and I will help my team reach that goal every week no matter the role or position.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
I love the game because each week we plan differently for every opponent and when you get out on the field you just have to play and beat the guy across from you. Everything matters on a football field and it’s the details that make me love the game because I am constantly trying to improve my game and that starts with the details.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
The most underrated player I have played with is Jonathan Fournier who is a fullback at the University of Ottawa, he always brings intensity to the football field and in the weight room. Takes pride in his football craft and is always looking to improve his game and never settling.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen