Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Patrick Arinze, FB, University of Arkansas

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Patrick Arinze

What is your Height/Weight?

5’10 257lbs

What is your position?

Fullback/Running back

Where do you play college football?

Played for the University of Arkansas

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

0 teams recruited me out of high school

How did you choose your school?

Went to a junior college, made my highlight tape and emailed every D1 school that utilized a fullback for an opportunity to walk on and earn a scholarship. Arkansas was one of the schools that replied with the opportunity and I chose the razorbacks because I wanted in the toughest division in the toughest conference in college football and felt like I could help the program.

Where are you from?

Born and raised in San Diego, California

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is my mother because I saw true strength in her raising three men on her own while working two jobs to support out family

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

I have not met with any scouts, but did receive compliments from some at my pro day on my strength and mobility for my size

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Growing up, I played soccer, baseball, basketball, football, golf, I wrestled, and ran track/did field events as well

Did you play any other positions in football?

I’ve played running back, linebacker, offensive and defensive line, kicker, and fullback as well as special teams

At your position, what separates you from others?

At my position, what separates me is my versatility and strength. I am strong enough, at 257lbs, to deliver effective blocks towards defenders. My versatility comes into play in me having soft, natural hands and the ability to run the ball effectively when called upon. I would say that I am a complete back.

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

When I am breaking down film, I look at the tendencies of the defensive scheme such as blitzes by formation, which types of defenses are ran against certain offensive personnel, things done based on down and distance as well as individual tendencies for each player

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Playing in the SEC you face tough opponents week in and week out so it would be hard to choose jus one overall. However, I would have to say Martrell Spaight because I went against him every day in practice and his intensity and level of play was at a high every time.

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

If I could compare myself to one NFL player, I would say Mike Tolbert because of his versatility as a run blocker, pass protector, receiver, and ability to run the ball; all things I offer as well

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

Biggest obstacle I had to overcome was tearing my acl early during my sophomore year at my junior college while I was trying to make a name for myself. I had no recruits or scouts contacting me and had to watch and support from the sidelines for the rest of season. I overcame this my staying mentally strong. I made a highlight tape with the little film I had, emailed every division 1(and some d2) head coach, running backs coach, director of football personnel, and recruiting coordinator that ran a pro style offense with a fullback asking for an opportunity to walk on and earn a scholarship. During this process I was also rehabbing my knee and going to school at attain my Associates Degree so I would be ready when I got my opportunity.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

On game day, I just need to have my music with me.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my mental/physical toughness, football IQ, love for the game, and the ability to rise to the occasion in every situation I am presented

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that some people would say that I am my own toughest critic which I also believe is true. I hold myself to a high standard and always feel that there is room for improvement.

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

If I could sell myself to a GM in a second, I would tell him that in me, he would be getting a versatile fullback who would come into the organization with a big chip on his shoulder ready to work and earn everything as I’ve had to do my whole life.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Growing up, my favorite player was LaDainian Tomlinson my favorite team was the Chargers

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

If I could have dinner with three people dead or alive, I’d have to pick Denzel Washington, Albert Einstein, and Bill Gates