2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Eric Best, S, Lincoln University (PA)

• Name: Eric Best
• Position: Safety
• College: Lincoln University (PA)
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 202
• Twitter: @E_best6
• Instagram: @E_best6

1. What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

My ability to make tackles in open space, track the ball, and dissect plays before they happen, and my versatility being able to play in the slot, in the middle of the field, and on the hash makes me a top prospect in this draft!

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

I became interested in football around the age of 10 seeing my older brother going to high school practice.

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

I have the drive and dedication to compete. I take pride in being relied on and depended on. I am not afraid to put the work in to be successful and with the amount of work that I put in I’m not afraid to compete for someone’s job.

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

World Hunger. So many people go hungry around the world, it’s really sad. 

5. What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Don’t rush into things, the opportunity will be there. Timing is everything. Run your race, your time will come.” -Coach Turner

6. Who was your childhood hero?

Brandon Strickland. My oldest brother set the example for all his younger siblings including me. I remember wanting to be just like him when I was a kid. 

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

Howard Bonner. Howard is an autistic player who never misses a practice, team lift, team activity, or even class. He never complains or gives excuses. He runs every sprint the same, HARD! He is a beast in the weight room giving his max effort on every rep.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people call me while I’m training or lifting weights. 

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

The hardest moment in my life to overcome was going to JUCO in California. I went to Los Angeles Pierce College where there are no dorms, so I paid rent and had 8 roommates. I took two buses to get to school by 9 am and wouldn’t get back until 11 pm. I slept on a single mattress on the floor for 6 months. I barely ate and barely slept during my time there, but I knew I didn’t go there for nothing so despite my off-the-field struggles I still strived on the field and earned a couple of offers. If I had never gone through that time in my life, I probably wouldn’t appreciate what I have now. 

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

Lincoln is the first degree-granting HBCU. This school is special to me because of the amount of love that is shown here. From the students to the staff to the coaches. I can say I have a connection with someone in every category. When I took my visit here, I didn’t bother taking any more visits afterward.

11. What is your favorite snack food?

Oreos

12. What is the best part of football?

The relationships you make with your teammates and coaches. I still talk to guys who live 3000 miles away like I saw them yesterday but in reality, I haven’t seen some in 3 years. 

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

I am a rangy safety who can play in the box that makes big plays not only in crunch time but on a consistent basis. 

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

Minkah Fitzpatrick. He is a heavy but rangy safety who can cover the field, command the defense, dissect plays, and tackle in open space. 

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

If I could have dinner with three people dead or alive it would be Ed Reed, Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders. To me, these three people were the best at what they do, and I want to know what drove them to be the best and why.