2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Owen Hubert, DE, McMaster University
- Name: Owen Hubert
- Position: Defensive End
- College: McMaster University
- Height: 6”4
- Weight: 260
- Instagram: @owehbrt
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
I’m the top prospect in my position because of my unique quickness at such a large size. As my film shows, I cover ground quickly, making plays all over the field. I’m a well-rounded player that impacts plays in all facets of the game.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I’ve had an interest in football all my life however my love for the game increased drastically when I first threw on the pads in my early teens. Since then, all other interests and hobbies have taken a backseat to football.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
NFL teams need to know that my play directly correlates with the professional game. Not only am I physically capable of immediate success, my strong character, more specifically my work ethic, has set me up for success at all levels thus far and would continue to at the next stage.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
The organization I would donate to would be the livlifeFoundation (https://livlife.us), an organization created to celebrate the legacy of Livia Hubert and those affected by MPS and other terminal disorders.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received would probably be to “stop and smell the roses”. Although cliche, I’m very meticulous with multiple aspects of my life both on the field and off. My family and friends often remind me to soak in every moment and enjoy the journey- not to get caught up in the little details. It has helped my game and my outlook towards life tremendously.
Who was your childhood hero?
While I wouldn’t say I had a specific hero growing up, someone I had tremendous respect for was Pat Tillman. His commitment to himself and his beliefs is nothing short of inspiring. To leave ultimate riches and the game he loved to fight for what he believed in was exemplary. Such morals are extremely rare, and I am constantly aspiring to replicate characteristics similar to his.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
The most underrated teammate I have is Greg Thomas, another defensive end who I entered university with. He is a slick, smooth, technician of a defensive player and has contributed to our team immensely. Would not be surprised to see him at the next level if the right people saw his film.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is people who complain about a person being too competitive or asking someone to take things down a level. There is nothing worse than settling for less and for someone to request mediocracy is something that annoys me beyond belief.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
One of the hardest moments in my life would likely be decidingwhether or not to pursue the American game of football (high school and college) or stay in Canada and find an avenue professionally that way. I’m an American citizen and moved to Canada when I was young. Since then, I have had multiple opportunities to play in the States but elected to take the Canadian path. While there have been advantages and disadvantages, I know God has a plan for me and this was the route I took.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you.
McMaster University consistently creates great football prospects but more importantly, it creates great human beings.The culture created at McMaster is an inclusive and exciting commitment to success both on and off the field. I could not be prouder of my decision to attend McMaster University.
What is your favourite snack food?
My favourite snack food is pistachios. Unconventional but also underrated.
What is the best part of football?
The best part of football is the moment when your mind goes free in between every play and the only thing you do is react- drawing upon all the training and preparation you’ve put in for that moment. Making the play is the ultimate feeling of gratification.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?
I possess abilities unlike anyone in my draft class, you can’t teach size and length.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
The player I compare myself to in the NFL is Danielle Hunter. With such a tall and lean frame, he has an impressive ability to impact the passer with ease. I try to draw upon many of his pass-rush moves as he and I have very similar traits.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I could choose to have dinner with three people, Bud Grant would be my first selection. While Bud had an impressive career as a player, his ability to lead men as a coach both in the NFL and CFL was inspiring. I would love to hear about his advice on leadership and how to become the ultimate teammate. Secondly, I would sit down with Tim Bergling, formerly known as “Avicii” who was a Swedish DJ and is my favourite artist. While he, unfortunately, passed away some time ago, I continue to enjoy his music and ensure I listen to his tracks before games. I would love to ask him about consistency and how he was able to create multiple hits that topped the charts worldwide. Lastly, I would enjoy sitting down to have dinner with my little brother. Since starting our university football careers, finding time to spend with one another is difficult. I’d especially enjoy it to pick his brain on all things football as he has found a lot of success since starting at his respective university.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com