Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Abdullah Asad, DB, Concordia University (St. Paul)

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What is your name?

Abdullah Asad.

 Where do you play college football?

Concordia University- Saint Paul.

 How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

A few D-1 teams were recruiting me out of high school; Northern Illinois offered a preferred walk on spot. About 15 D-2 teams offered me scholarships out of high school.

 How did you choose your school?

I choose Concordia- Saint Paul because it felt right when I went on my visit. The coaching staff and players were great.

 Where are you from?

I’m from Chicago, IL.

 Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is my godfather and my grandfather. My grandfather became my father figure when my father passed away. He showed me how to be a man and everything I know about football. My godfather played in the NFL and coached at several colleges and he also coached for the Jets and Patriots. I’ve always wanted to follow his career path.

 Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I haven’t heard from any scouts directly.

 Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball throughout elementary school, and I ran track from elementary school through high school.

 Did you play any other positions in football?

I played linebacker my first three years of high school.

 At your position, what separates you from others?

My physicality, intelligence, and grit. I am a very physical safety who is comfortable playing in the box as well as playing deep safety. Along with that, I have always been a cerebral football player, always thinking the game and being prepared for whatever the offense throws at me. I’ve always had a passion for football and the perseverance to push towards my football goals regardless of what the naysayers have told me along the way. I always keep moving forward and stay the course.

 When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

First thing I do is separate the film by down and distance. I want to see what they like to do on certain downs and what formations and personnel’s they want to run things out of. I like to see how receivers run their routes; any tips they give away by their route stems or their alignment from sideline as well. Lastly I watch the quarterback to see if he tips anything with signals, his shoulders, and his tendencies when you give him different looks. There are a lot of things that go into watching film.

 Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Phillip Klaphake. He was a very good quarterback at St. Cloud State. He was a very smart football player and great competitor.

 If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

TJ Ward is one who I compare my play to the most. We’re about the same size and we are both very physical football players. He plays deep safety well, physical in the box and he’s also a very good blitzer.

 What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle I had to over come was my father passing away at a young age. It forced me to grow up fast and mature a little quicker because I had to be strong for mother and sister. It was tough as I got older because I didn’t understand why it happened to me. But I know everything happens for a reason and became a better man because of it.

 Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I wake up at the same time before every game. I have to get to the field at least three hours before, go out on the field and do my warm-up. After that, I just like to relax and listen to my music until game time.

 What is your biggest strength?

Football IQ is my biggest strength. I’ve always been a student of the game and I pride myself on being the most prepared player on the field.

 What is your biggest weakness?

Being patient. I’ve gotten a lot better over the years, but I’m always eager to go make plays and attack.

 If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

My name is Abdullah Asad, I am a very smart and physical football safety who will do what it takes to win. I am a team player who loves the game, very coach able, and I will always be one of the most prepared players on the football field everyday.

 Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

My two all time favorites were Ray Lewis and Bob Sanders. Ray Lewis was the ultimate leader and put some much into the game to be great. Bob Sanders is my size and structure, so I naturally tried to model how I played after him when I was younger. He was so physical and active; always around the ball. My favorite teams growing up were the Patriots, Ravens and Bears. They all had great defenses when I was growing up, very exciting to watch.

 If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My father, Ed Reed, and Kobe Bryant.