2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Luke Brubacher, DE, Wilfrid Laurier

• Name: Luke Brubacher
• Position: Defensive End
• College: Wilfrid Laurier University
• Height: 6’5.5”
• Weight: 250
• Instagram: luke_brubacher

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

I have various elite athletic traits that make me very versatile and capable of playing multiple roles on defense and special teams. A tall and long frame that can allow me to put on weight and play as an interior defensive lineman. As well as speed, agility, and explosiveness that make me a threat off the edge and in coverage.

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

I was first interested in football in high school. Unfortunately, my high school did not have a football team, nor was there a club team in my area growing up. So, I did not start my football career until I was partway through university.

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

At the time of this interview, it has not even been two years since I first strapped on football pads. I have come nowhere close to reaching my full potential in this game, but I have a relentless work ethic and willingness to learn that will allow me to unlock that potential.

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

If I could donate to one cause, it would be world hunger. No child deserves to go to bed hungry. This is a major issue in our world and something I hope to be able to support more as I become better financially capable of doing so.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

There is no substitute for hard work.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was not actually a real person, but the character Rocky Balboa played by Sylvester Stallone. Rocky was tough as nails, no matter how bad of a beating he would take, he would never stay down. These scenes inspired me when I was young, and still do to this day.

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

The most underrated teammate in my locker room is Zach Harvey. He has not made the dress roster yet but is one of the most positive and hardworking individuals on the team. Everyone on the team can draw motivation from a guy like him.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is people who complain about their life but do nothing to change it.

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

The hardest moment I have had to overcome, in sports specifically, is injuring my shoulder in the first game of the season last year. I partially tore my labrum in 2 places. It was certainly not easy at times playing through the pain of that injury the entire season, but it was an experience that made me mentally tougher no doubt.

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

Wilfrid Laurier has an incredibly positive and family-like atmosphere, specifically within the athletic department. We do not have the resources and fancy facilities that some schools have, but still have more CFL players come out of our program than almost every school in the country.

What is your favorite snack food?

Frosted flakes. Earn your stripes.

What is the best part of football?

The best part about football is the feeling I get in the tunnel before running out on the field. The excitement, the nerves, the anticipation. It makes me feel truly alive. It is a feeling I hope to experience for many more years.

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

I will not be outworked.

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

An NFL player I would compare myself to is Montez Sweat. I have a very tall and long frame, similar to his. Additionally, Sweat has the unique ability to be an extreme threat off the edge with both his speed and his power, which is an ability I feel I also have and will continue to build.

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, my first choice would be David Goggins. David is a Navy veteran with unbreakable mental strength, and I would love to hear about his life experiences and how he built the mentality he now has. My second choice would be Tim Tebow. Tim is a college football legend, who has used his platform to share his faith in God, which is something I respect and draw great inspiration from. Finally, my third choice would be Conor McGregor. Conor is known for his unbreakable self-belief, and his ability to speak his goals into existence inside and out of the MMA octagon. His unique mentality is very fascinating and is someone I seek to learn from.