Future Prospect Talk: South Carolina State QB Eric Phoenix, 2024 HBCU Player of the Year
In 2024 you did see too many playmakers as special as Eric Phoenix. At 6’3 210 he made defenses plan for himself. Phoenix threw for 2,612 yards 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions and rushed for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns. His leadership and phenomenal play led him to win the 2024 HBCU Player of the Year award and he led the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record and the Cricket Celebration Bowl which is a game between the two best teams in the HBCU, the national championship of black college football. Phoenix had two incredible standout games When he went 26/26 for 321 yards 2 touchdowns and 1 interception with 60 yards rushing and 1 touchdown vs North Carolina Central also 18/21 341 yards 30 yards rushing and 5 total touchdowns (4 passing and 1 rushing) with an amazing 16.2 yards per pass vs. Delaware State. He talked to me about his breakout 2024 season and more for NFL Draft Diamonds.
Leader: Great season, some special games. How would you describe this season and what made this team so good?
Eric: I would describe our season as electrifying. We had a lot of big plays and put up a lot of points. I believe we were a complete team we had a high-scoring explosive offense. With a physical and stingy defense. We all had the same goal in mind which made us very successful.
Leader: You would able to be a problem in so many ways. What would you say are your strengths as a quarterback that help you impact?
Eric: one of my key and underrated strengths is my understanding of the game. Football makes sense to me, I understand why a play should work and it should not work. As a quarterback understanding that can make the game slow down for you. So, having this ability to go along with my ability to make every throw in the field consistently, while also having the ability to extend plays and run makes me very special!
Leader: What quarterback do you like to perform and model your game after?
Eric: I like to model my game after Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. Aaron Rodgers has amazing arm talent, he can make every throw on the field and has that quick release. Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability and his will to win is what I love about him. Finally, Patrick Mahomes ability to extend plays and make off-platform throws just makes him hard to stop.
Leader: You can make moves with your legs which makes you even more dangerous. What was your last 40 time?
Eric: one of the last I ran was a 4.63 and I have gotten faster over the years. So, I can see myself running a low 4.5 high 4.4
Leader: I saw two games North Carolina Central and Howard because I had started hearing the hype after North Carolina Central. I checked out the Howard game. I saw all I needed to see. What do you think was your best game and why?
Eric: My best was against North Carolina Central. We were the two best teams in the conference both undefeated in the conference. So if you think about it, it was the championship game and it was on national TV. I knew I had to be my best and it was a memorable performance.
Leader: Being drafted is important so you would be happy to play anywhere. If you could pick that NFL team, what team would it be?
Eric: If I could pick where I play it would be in San Francisco. My dad is a big 49ers fan, so that would be amazing if I had the opportunity to play there.
Leader: You have been watching a great NFL season and the MVP race is close. Who do you think will win MVP?
Eric: Lamar Action Jackson. He has been great all year. I love watching him play.
Leader: Why would you make a good impact in an NFL locker room?
Eric: I’ll make a good impact in an NFL locker room because I am a winner. Winning is very important to me, I actually hate losing more than I love winning. Also, I will find solutions to problems. If we are lacking in a certain area I am going to find a way to make it better.