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DT Rashad Brandon (Missouri) Interview - NFL Draft Blitz

DT Rashad Brandon (Missouri) Interview

Rashad Brandon

Defensive Tackle

Missouri

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Rashad Brandon:  6’2, 300lbs and 4.9. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Rashad Brandon:  University of Missouri. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the 2019 Tropical Bowl.

 

Rashad Brandon:  It was a great experience to be able to showcase my talent with other great players.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you faced during the all-star

game weekend?

 

Rashad Brandon:  #62 from Kansas (Dwayne Wallace). 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you will take away from the

Tropical Bowl?

 

Rashad Brandon:  I haven’t played in an all-star game like that since high school, so to be able to do it on a much grander scale is awesome.  I’ll forever be grateful for the multiple opportunities it presented.

 

Alex Khvatov:  You were one of the players that stood out at Daytona Beach, FL.  How were you able to dominate the OL in the one on one’s?

 

Rashad Brandon:  I tend to focus on my technique and sound fundamentals, mainly the use of my eyes and hands.  With me being a lot smaller than a lot of the guys, I go up against, my speed and paying attention to the types of sets the OL give is crucial.  

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Syracuse.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at JUCO?

 

Rashad Brandon:  I was a non-qualifier.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Missouri?

 

Rashad Brandon:  The depth chart situation, they had a lot of guys leaving and at the time I was going to be able to get immediate playing time.

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your teammate DL Terry Beckner Jr.?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Terry is a solid guy, he’s very selfless and an amazing person both on and off the field.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Rashad Brandon:  My first step and the quickness of my hands.  I move very well, very agile.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Naturally everybody has something they can improve on. Nobody’s perfect.  I just try to focus on becoming a more dominant player in all areas.  

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

 

Rashad Brandon:  A very triumphant journey.  I started my college career as a walk-on and finished third team all-conference, as a walk on.  Eventually, I gained a full ride scholarship the following season, finishing that season as defensive player of the year and a second team JUCO all American.  After that, I started getting offers from D-I schools like Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Temple, and Mizzou.  Coming to Mizzou changed my whole outlook on college football, being able to play for a D-I program in the SEC at that, has been a dream come true.  However, I have so much more football to play.  I’m just getting started.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Getting the opportunity to go to two Bowl games.  That’s live.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are

most proud of?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Knowing that I only have three classes to finish before I am an official college graduate.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Persistence, to never give up.  They showed me how a football team is supposed to be.  They were my family, they proved to me that I could lean on them in times of need.  They always pushed me to go further, farther and to never give up.  Especially, coach Brick Haley, that’s my guy.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Rashad Brandon:  The Steelers.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Aaron Donald DT for the LA Rams. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Hands and eyes.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

 

Rashad Brandon:  I check for their stances and I look at their eyes to see what direction they’re headed for.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

Rashad Brandon:  Yasir Durant and Raees Johnson.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about your QB Drew Lock.

 

Rashad Brandon:  Drew is a natural leader, always puts his teammates first.  He’s a very down to earth guy, you can talk to him about anything.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Rashad Brandon:  It allows you to be you.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

Rashad Brandon:  One who leads by example, you can’t always lead with a voice.  But if you lead by example, you’re showing them how they should want to be.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Rashad Brandon:  I love to draw.  Most people don’t know that about me.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

 

Rashad Brandon:  I would love to be a teacher, be able to help kids that were like me who didn’t always have people in their life to show them the right way to do things, to care for them and be their support system through life.  It all starts with our childhood, and I would love to be able to make a difference in kids’ lives.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

Rashad Brandon:  More than a conqueror, honest, hardworking, dedicated and determined. 

Alex Khvatov

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