2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brannen Goodman Jr, DL, Saginaw Valley State University

• Name: Brannen Goodman Jr
• Position: DL
• College: Saginaw Valley State University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 290 lbs
• X (Twitter): @daprxblem56
• Instagram: @daprxblem

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

Growing up as a young teen, I have always loved the game of football, however love for the game often is not enough for someone to pursue it long term. What made me pursue it? I could start with my father, He pursued a professional career in football only held back by injuries. He knew from my adolescences there was potential and tried his best to instill a burning passion in my heart for the sport. I most certainly have to mention my mother. Who throughout the past 6 years, relentlessly did whatever was necessary to enable the pursuit of my desires.  No sacrifice was too great. Wholeheartedly, God called me to this pursuit and it is evident through the doors He has opened along the way. In 2018, God used the voice of Ronn Cash to spark the flame that had brought me to where I am at today. So yes, love for football has brought me a long way, but more importantly God Instructed me with Ecclesiastes 9:10 –Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with (all) thy might.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Every moment that I am able to strap a helmet on and play is a blessing. However, there is something special about them “dawg” days of summer training and fall camp. The days that really test how much you want to be great, and then to see all of that hard work payoff throughout the season is a feeling that is not often replicated. 

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

Going forward, I look to reach my full potential as a football player. Physically and mentally. I have worked tediously over the past decade and have made astronomical progress. Yet, I know I am still far from my ceiling, it will be a dream come true to have been able to become the best I can be which I know could also be the best on any team, in any league. 

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

If I could hangout with any football player past or present it would without question be Aaron Donald. I want to be the best so I need to surround myself with people who have that experience. Aaron Donald teaches all DT’s his size or similar, if you are gonna be undersized, you best be technical. There is a lot I could learn.

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

My most inspiring family member would have to be my mother. This stems from seeing her growth while raising me as a single mother. She endured and overcame adversity while being able to elevate herself from a Kmart employee to a successful business owner and still hard at work. I have never met anyone with her work ethic. I hope to be able to match and exceed her standard of work and apply it to my own passions. 

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I believe the best football is played from a 4-3. The game is won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Put 4 defensive linemen out there and let them cause chaos in the Gaps A-C. Me personally I love when the scheme allows me to get into 3 technique allowing one on one with the guard. Time to eat! 

What should we know about Brannen Goodman Jr the person?

Brannen Henry Charles Goodman Jr is a God fearing, family oriented man. With that being said I LOVE grinding on that football field and pray one day football helps unite family and God. 

What stands out about your film the most?

My versatility! (1-5 techniques) I am quick off the snap! I strike my opponent violently before he can strike me. 

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

When I am faced with challenges, I formulate a plan of attack. In life, I may need to create a detailed list of task to get done and when to get them done, then execute. In football, I revert back to my film study and knowledge of how offenses function. I may need to adjust my alignment slightly or change the angle of attack, or even change which foot to grain ground first, in order to prevent my opponent from out leveraging me. Once that is determined, execute. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

Consistency! I will bring my best effort every meeting, every lift, every practice, every snap, and every game. I am someone you can trust to be where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be there, on and off the field. 

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

Going into battle with my brothas! The trenches in nasty work! I love proving my superiority at the line of scrimmage. 

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

Harold Irby III, talk about dependability on the field. You will never catch him not dominating who or whatever is in front of him. On one occasion, he blew up the center on spike play and forced a fumble. Guess he just couldn’t take a play off. A role model for all defensive linemen here at Saginaw Valley football.