2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Izaiah Reed, DL, New Mexico State University

• Name: Izaiah Reed
• Position: DL
• College: New Mexico State University
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 310 lbs
• X (Twitter): @officialzy56
• Instagram: @zayontoppp

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

What made me decide to be a football player is growing up watching my big cousins play football. They’ve always been some of my biggest motivators in life because they’ve been pushing me to be great since I was little.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments of my football career thus far has got to be spending time and working with my brothers on the defensive line at New Mexico State. Those guys are my family for life.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

My goal as long as I’ve been playing football has always been the same and that’s to become the best someday. So I’ll do whatever I have to do to be the best player I can be and see where the cards fall in the end.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would hang out with Michael Strahan he’s my favorite football player ever and I’d love to take in as much knowledge on football and life from him as I can.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Probably my big cousin Zack Brooks he’s the most successful track coach in the state of Kentucky and I’ve seen him turn into someone I’d consider great all the way from when he was a kid just trying to make it.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite scheme is a 4-3 because as an interior lineman that’s where we get a lot of double teams and I love to take on double teams because behind the double is the ball and that’s when I get to make plays. Plus nothing is better than getting to beat up two offensive lineman in one play.

What should we know about Izaiah Reed the person?

What the world should know about Izaiah Reed the person is that no matter what faces him all he ever does is persevere. I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my life but I’ve never let myself be a victim of my circumstances I’ve found ways to thrive in every situation and my football career I believe is a testament to that statement.

What stands out about your film the most?

I believe my motor and my ability to get off blocks is what stands out on film the most with me.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I love challenges when I’m put in an adverse situation is when you see me thrive the most. I’ve learned to be comfortable in my uncomfortable place so rather it be something on the field or off I embrace a challenge with a smile.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would be getting a guy who refuses to be out worked and is a true student of the game. I just want to grow as a person and as a player.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The thing I love most about football is how it’s kind of saved my life. Without this sport I genuinely don’t know where I would’ve ended up in life. It’s my first love and it’s given me an opportunity to grow as a person and reach heights that people from my family and places I’ve grown up could only dream of.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve ever played with is Gabriel Iniguez. He’s a guy that is a true technician and is crazy twitchy. We pushed each other to be better every single day. I know he’s one of the best defensive lineman in the nation the rest of the world just has to realize it soon.