Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Paul Browning, WR, Colorado State University-Pueblo

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?

Paul Browning

What school did you attend?

Colorado State University-Pueblo

What position do you play? 

Wide Receiver

What is your height & weight?

6’2” 218

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

3 schools

How did you choose your college?

I ended up at CSU-Pueblo after not really having any other options coming out of high school. My high school football team didn’t do too well my senior year and I didn’t get much exposure at my school for various reasons so most of my D1 opportunities dwindled away as signing day got closer. Luckily, a couple of coaches from CSU-P hit me up, I took a visit to Pueblo, saw an opportunity to do something great and I took it.

Where are you from?

I’m from Colorado Springs, CO. I’m a graduate from Widefield High School (same high school of Tampa Bay WR Vincent Jackson).

Who is your role model, and why?

Kobe Bryant is a guy I look up to because he’s a guy who came into the league with a lot of doubters, a guy who put up 3 or 4 air balls to help his team lose in the playoffs early in his career, ran into some family issues off the court — still he doesn’t let any of his failures define him. Plus, the man is the definition of hard work.

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

Yeah, I’ve met with several NFL Scouts and they mostly asked me questions about myself and my past — not too much about what they think or their opinions. I’ve noticed they do a lot of writing though.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Basketball, baseball, and track… even tried tennis for a year

Did you play any other positions in football?

I’ve done everything but play on the line and kick. I like to think that I was a pretty good safety.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I think I separate myself from other wideouts with my combination of size, speed and my ability to play the ball in the air.

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

How the defense lines up in certain coverages and any telltale signs a defense or corner shows that gives away the defensive coverage.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest players I’ve ever faced are my former teammates CJ Roberts & Stephan Dickens. They’re great competitors. We use to go at it in practice at CSU-Pueblo.

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

Dez Bryant, we’re the same size, both strong physical receivers, play the ball well in the air. We win on the go/fade ball. We even have the same 40 time. 

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

Dealing with my injury riddled senior season was tough at CSU-Pueblo. I was supposed to be an All-American and shatter the school record book but I tore my meniscus early in the season and then sprained my MCL a couple weeks after returning from the meniscus, keeping me out of 8 games. I overcame the injury by being around the people that matter most in my life. They helped me realize what’s important in my life and what things I had taken for granted. I challenged myself to comeback better than I was before, physically and mentally — I believe I did that.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

As part of my pre-game rituals, I like to get a last minute film session in and a quick lift in.  One thing is for sure, I gotta have my music.

What is your biggest strength?

I’m a big receiver who goes up strong to get the ball in the air.

What is your biggest weakness?

I’m working on becoming a big receiver that runs routes like those little 5’10, 180 lbs guys. I also working on becoming more flexible.

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

I’m a physical, big body receiver that’s gonna go up and fight for the ball. I’m a guy you can count on to give you everything I got. I come to work every day with a mission to get better and I come willing to learn.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

My favorite player was Deion Sanders, he was just crazy good. The team I used to root for was the Dallas Cowboys.

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

Jesus Christ, doesn’t get any better than that. 2. Kobe Bryant, he’s an awesome competitor and I know he’s got some knowledge to drop on me. 3. Terrell Owens, he’s another small school guy who fought for everything and earned his respect in the league.  He’s a guy I’ve modeled my game after.