2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gabriel Smith, DE, Texas Southern University

• Name: Gabriel Smith
• Position: Edge/OLB
• College: Texas Southern University
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 230
• Twitter: @HollywoodGabee_
• Instagram: 4.Hollywood

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft? 

I feel the thing that makes me a top Edge prospect is my extremely high motor, unmatched pass rush arsenal, and my drive to make a play every time I touch the field. 

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

NFL teams should know that I am extremely passionate about the game and I’m willing to do whatever for the team. Play wherever I’m needed and give maximum effort in any task that I’m billed!

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to help house and feed the homeless. I’m from Austin Texas and there’s extreme homelessness and my uncle is homeless so that’s something that touches my heart. 

Who was your role model? 

My Role models are Micah Parsons, Maxx Crosby, TJ Watt, and Aiden Hutchinson. I feel like these guys are the most elite pass rushers of my generation of football and I try to model myself after each of them in different facets.  

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Houston Texans!

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

In my opinion, The Most underrated teammate at my school would probably be Javius Williams who plays Tiger. He’s a really amazing all-around player and I don’t think he truly gets the respect he deserves as a football player. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve would probably be someone not keeping their word to me. Word is a bond and If you can’t hold up your word I don’t respect it. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher EVER would probably be my 4th grade teacher from Decker Elementary Ms. Ruth Burrell. She always believed in me as a STUDENT before I was ever an athlete and always did her best to help me out in the classroom and in life. 

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

The hardest moment in my life I’ve ever had to overcome was probably when my family split up and I had to go live with my dad and being away from my mom and sisters. It was never easy living with my dad but he taught me a lot of things about being a man that my mom wouldn’t have been able to and I’m forever grateful because I wouldn’t be at this point without the experience. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

For sure Would be Salt Grass Steak House. I love a good steak!

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack is “Flipz” white chocolate-covered pretzels!

What is your degree in? 

I have a bachelor of science in sports management

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

I would have dinner with Kobe Bryant, Jay Z, and Michael Jordan. I chose Kobe because he had the “Mamba Mentality” which can never be duplicated but I’d love to get knowledge straight from the source on how to channel that killer mindset and incorporate it into myself. I chose Jay Z because he is a MOGUL who created the life he wanted and has sustained success and wealth through the decades Ultimately I want to have a similar lifestyle. Finally, I would choose MJ because he’s the greatest basketball player to ever grace the court and just an all-out icon globally and to be able to talk to him and be in the presence of greatness is something I can’t pass up. 

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say my biggest weakness would probably be my build. I play defensive line primarily but because of my stature (6’3 230) people often doubt I can get the job done when I play I get the chance to blow minds and show people what I can actually do so I don’t really consider it a weakness just a disadvantage some eyes.