2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brenden Smith, DB, Southwest Baptist

• Name: Brenden Smith
• Position: DB
• College: Southwest Baptist
• Height: 195
• Weight: 5’11
• Twitter: @BSmith__5
• Instagram: bwen.__

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

There are a lot of guys in my position that offer a lot of great things, but what separates me is my
grit. I know the type of player I am, I am physical, smart, and my heart can not be outmatched. I used to play Quarterback in high school and even at the collegiate level. So that allows me to have an understanding of the offenses and as a DB you have to be able to think. Knowing how the QB is thinking gives me an edge.

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

My dad was As soon as I put my first pads on at the age of six years old. I played up with the
eight year olds. I fell in love with the physicality of the sport. I also was interested in the idea of an entire team coming together to accomplish one goal.

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

My heart speaks louder than my size or athletic ability. I know what it takes to win and I will do
everything in my power to do so.

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

JDRF who works to further innovations for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I have received a lot of great advice but the one that always stuck with me was from my pops.
Growing up he always told me to lead by example because someone is always watching.

Who was your childhood hero?

My dad, he is one of the most selfless people I know, he has been working construction since he
was 19, he tore his ACL his senior year of high school which made a lot of power 5 schools pull his scholarship. I have never heard him complain about it, he provided a lot for me to get me where I am today.

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

I would have to say Jordan Kent, he plays slot WR for us. I swear he comes down with every ball,
one handed, double teamed, it does not matter. Also He is very dangerous with the ball in his hands.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve would have to be when someone says they are gonna do something, but
don’t do it.

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

Right before my junior year of high school I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, just a month before football season I lost over 30 pounds in 2 weeks. It was really hard because I was never considered a big guy, so during that time I was really trying to put on weight, but never could. I just felt defeated. I was going into a season that I knew was important to gain attention from colleges, so I knew I couldn’t let this set me back.

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

As far as the school aspect, the professors really care about you individually. Having someone want you to succeed helped me wanna go to school everyday. As far as the coaches here, they do a great job at having a family-like atmosphere. Overall they all want you to succeed in life. I have been here for 5 years and can truly say they are a second family to me.

What is your favorite snack food?

Can’t go wrong with some cookies n cream ice cream

What is the best part of football?

I would have to say the best part is the family aspect it brings. There is nothing like going to war with your brothers every single day.

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

You are gonna get a guy that is 100% all in, relentless, and never stops.

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

Jeremy Reaves, he is a newer guy in the NFL, he is not a big guy, does not have the best stats
on paper, but he is a dawg and throws his body into any situation.

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

1. I was a big Drew Brees fan growing up, he was a great football player and dad, so I would want to ask him how he managed to be great at both.
2. My favorite DB in the league right now is Jaire Alexander, I would love to pick his brain apart and learn as much as I could from him.
3. When I was in 8th grade my uncle passed away in a motorcycle accident. He was only 22 so he was more of an older brother than uncle. I would love to catch up with him because I know he would be proud of who I am today.