2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brian Corbins Jr., DB, Winona State

• Name: Brian Corbins Jr.
• Position: CB/DB
• College: Winona State University
• Height: 5’9 3/4
• Weight: 168
• Twitter: @kcorbins
• Instagram: @brian.corbinsjr

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

I believe I am a top prospect at my position in the 2023 NFL Draft because of my knowledge, passion, and ability to read and react from any position to make game-changing plays. I have strong instincts, fast reaction time, and great attention to detail that puts me in the best position possible to positively impact the game. 

I also strive every day to be the best possible version of myself – for myself and for those around me. I am a student of the game and will always continue to learn as much as possible. I’ll always do my best for my team, on and off the field. 

To me, nothing is more important than working every day towards our shared goal of winning. And that’s what you will get out of me – a winner for and with your team. 

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

I started playing football when I was 6 years old, and it has forever been my dream to play in the National Football League. For the last 17 years, it’s been a daily blessing to have the opportunity to play this game. I’m forever thankful for what it has done for me.

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

I am a winner and will do anything to achieve success. Everything I have I’ve worked for with a chip on my shoulder and it does not stop now. I am determined to be the best version of myself at all times. My determination and eagerness to continue growing makes me very coachable and undoubtedly eager to compete. I play this game with a passion to be the best, as a player and as a team. 

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

One cause I would continue to donate to would be ending world hunger by starting the mission at the ground level – working on food insecurities around communities  Second, it has always been my dream to help the streets from where I can including building parks, helping school fundings, and supporting new and growing businesses in the city of Milwaukee, WI. My priority is giving back to my home community, as well as supporting the future communities I live in.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

As I’ve started this process I have had a lot of wise words given to me from various people. One phrase that stuck with me came from my uncle, “the winds of despair blow on us all, it’s up to us to set the sail. Don’t focus on what you don’t know, focus on making fewer mistakes with what you do know”. I may not be on everyone’s radar, but I do know who I am and what I am capable of. This has motivated me every day to go harder with everything that I do.

Who was your childhood hero? 

From a football aspect, my first childhood hero was the legend Barry Sanders as I played running back at the start of my career. 

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

My teammate A.J. Lacy, for his presence on the field. His growth throughout the season was great to watch. 

I would also say that I was one of the more underrated players at my school. At the end of the season, I had all-conference numbers but received no accolades. I played only one full season and still recorded very solid numbers and was ranked second most valuable on our defense.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

I would say my biggest pet peeve would be inefficiency. I work every day to refine and eliminate as much wasteful time, energy, and effort to make life and tasks something that can move with fluid ease and minimal likelihood of disruption. 

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

Going into my freshman year of college, I thought I had everything figured out. As I learned, I did not. I enjoyed my time, but my priorities were not in line. By the spring of my sophomore season, my head coach decided it was best I take some time away from the team and if I fixed my priorities then I could come back. During a full year of hard solo work, I learned what was important to me. I practiced every day by myself, I focused on my schooling and obtained a spot on the Dean’s List, and most importantly – I learned what I value in life. My drive and zest to accomplish my dreams have never been stronger. After this solo year of reflection and growth, I earned my spot back on the team and had a senior season I will never forget. 

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

One thing I appreciated about Winona State is the size of the campus community – it was big yet just small enough. This created more of an opportunity for the people in the community to interact with each other. It was common to see the same people more often than not. I was able to create bonds with many different people through this environment. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

I love granola bars and sunflower seeds. On the sweeter side, I do enjoy Mike and Ikes, Snickers, and doughnuts aren’t bad either. 

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is the moment of winning with my team. Additionally, I think the atmosphere of the game is like no other. My favorite part of playing growing up was breaking through the hole and seeing nothing but green grass and hearing the yells from the crowd. It was at this moment that everything calmed down in my head. A feeling I can’t get enough of!

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

What I have to contribute is a wealth of knowledge, discipline, dedication, and most importantly – willingness to be teachable for myself and for the betterment of my team.

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

The player I compare myself to the most would be the one and only Gilly Lock, Stephon Gilmore. His football IQ is present at all times allowing him to play well in space and react in the correct position. Truly makes this sport an art, and my respect for this position has grown because of him.

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

First-person I would definitely have is Coach Deion Sanders, as he’s who I’ve looked up to as a man, role model, and player. Second would be Lil Wayne, he was my favorite artist growing up and I always thought we would be great friends. Lastly, I would choose to have dinner with Gandhi as he’s very intelligent and would benefit me both mentally and spiritually.