2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shoes Brinkley, S, Northern Arizona

• Name: Shoes Brinkley
• Position: Safety/KR/PR
• College: Northern Arizona
• Height: 5’9” 
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: shoesbrinkley 
• Instagram: shoesbrinkley

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

My football IQ, instincts, and scheme versatility makes me a top prospect at my position. I bring a rare blend of ball skills and physicality to a defense. I also bring big play ability in the return game.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

I face adversity during Ramadan. As a Muslim I must fast from food and water during the day, and this has taken place during season, spring ball, and winter workouts. I respond each year by fulfilling my religious duty and pushing through athletically, maintaining a high level of performance and not dipping in body weight. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

Outside of football I enjoy playing CFB 26 and spending time with my family. 

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

I see myself playing at either Field Safety or nickel at the next level as well as being apart of the return game and every other special team. 

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

I’d donate to orphans in 3rd world countries. 

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I am very receptive of coaching, especially tough coaching. Growing up playing football in Philly, that is what I am used to. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Deliyon Freeman. I’m not gonna say too much, but he is a guy. 

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

I’d have dinner with my Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Uncle Boogie. I’d say them because my grandfathers died before I was born and my Uncle Boogie passed when I was very young. I’d just like to hear what advice they’d have for me about life. 

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

It would most likely be injury. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

On game days I go to the facility immediately after team breakfast and walkthrough. I talk to my dad then I spend about a hour and a half watching film. Then I get into the hot tub to warm my body up. After that, I go on to the field to stretch, do some isos, then run myself through some Indy. After that, it should be time for the team’s pre game meal and our pre game routine. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is water ice. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I can see myself in a one high scheme as the post player or a base quarters scheme. One of my traits I take pride in is scheme versatility. 

What is your degree in? 

I am currently getting my Masters in Organizational Leadership. 

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

I would pay my wife’s law school education. 

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

I made a mistake vs. Nicholls by not coming to balance and maintaining my leverage as a tackler on a play. I bounced back by coming to balance and getting a TFL, making a same foot same shoulder tackle the next time they ran the play. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

Geeski – Misery Loves Company, I Can’t Feel a Thing, Love is Blind