Shakif Seymour Interview

Running Back

Toledo

Ed Hunt:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Shakif Seymour:  I am 5’11, weigh about 221 and I haven’t done a 40 yet, but I have good trust in my speed.

Ed Hunt:  What do you think is the key to Toledo’s recruiting success?

Shakif Seymour:  Just the history of Toledo itself, and it is a winning program. You get guys who develop and become good guys in the league and that helps Toledo.

Ed Hunt:  I understand your mother passed away too early. Is there anything you want to share after overcoming this?

Shakif Seymour:  To be honest, I’m not sure I overcame it. She was a grandparent, a friend and a mother and father. She made sure you were upright. She taught me things that I will never forget. Living through her memory. She made everybody she loved. It’s impossible to overcome it. That’s how I’ve been overcoming it is just taking it one day at a time.  

Ed Hunt:  Where are you currently training for the draft?

Shakif Seymour:  I’m training in Toledo, Ohio actually.

Ed Hunt:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Shakif Seymour:  Basketball, my senior year of high school.  

Ed Hunt:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Shakif Seymour:  Mostly a running back. I played quarterback in the wildcat. I wasn’t really a defensive guy. I also played kick off return.

Ed Hunt:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Shakif Seymour:  Toledo was the first school to offer me. There were plenty more to offer me. From Iowa to Michigan State. I think Toledo is the one that showed the most interest. It gave me the opportunity to potentially play in the NFL.

Ed Hunt:  How would you sum up your career at Toledo? 

Shakif Seymour:  I would say it was a success. I was able to show my mother that degree. That was a big thing for my degree. Just being able to elevate my game this year. It felt really good to get my degree.

Ed Hunt:  What are your strengths?

Shakif Seymour:  I would say my feet are pretty smooth. Making sure my feet are not moving too fast. I can block. I can catch the ball out of the backfield. All around back.

Ed Hunt:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Shakif Seymour:  I would say I need to keep working on pass protection. Working on my feet. I have elevated every part of my game because I want to be an all-around back. 

Ed Hunt:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Shakif Seymour:  I really say my BYU game my junior year. It was a very emotional game for me. Just the way I played. The film really shows a lot. The MAC Championship. That was the first time I ever won a championship in anything.

Ed Hunt:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Shakif Seymour:  Chicago Bears. Chicago in everything. That’s where I’m from. I have every logo on my arm. Since I was a kid I can remember.

Ed Hunt:  Is there an NFL running back that you like to watch film on?

Shakif Seymour:  I’ve been really watching Lenny (Leonard Fournette). He is running the ball like a grown man. Frank Gore is the GOAT. Big Zeke fan. He has some stuff about his game that I can relate to.

Ed Hunt:  What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?

Shakif Seymour:  I’m a running back guy. Micah Kelly and Jacquez Stuart. They just have a few more years to develop. They’ve just been working.

Ed Hunt:  Which linebacker was your toughest matchup throughout your career?

Shakif Seymour:  I’m a very humble guy. I don’t give linebackers that much credit. I’d have to give it to the Miami guy. He was really good A to B. He was a guy who stood out to me filling the gap.

Ed Hunt:  What is the most important trait for a running back?

Shakif Seymour:  Vision. I got to go with vision. Not just running the ball, but also picking up a blitz.

Ed Hunt:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Shakif Seymour:  Being around a team, that feel. The only time you get that is when you are close to your family. Being able to be in the atmosphere. That’s the biggest thing for me.

Ed Hunt:  How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?

Shakif Seymour:  It turned me into a steel rod. I like to say I bend, but I don’t break. At one point, it stood me up like me like a steel rod. I appreciate my mom and the way she fought through adversity and the way she talked to us and the ways she taught us.

Ed Hunt:  What are your hobbies?

Shakif Seymour:  I love music, art drawing, and painting. Video games. I love watching football on Youtube. I’m not really into being outside. Anything I can do inside to lighten my brain, I do it.

Ed Hunt:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Shakif Seymour:  Motivational speaker. I am really big at getting my story out. My mom said you going to be a speaker one day. To be able to talk to kids. I want to travel too. People need help everywhere.

Ed Hunt:  What makes you unique?

Shakif Seymour:  Football, my explosiveness. I don’t think people know how fast and explosive I am.  Just the burst I have. I actually make them miss.

Ed Hunt:  What five words best describe you?

Shakif Seymour:  Creative, introverted, humble, enthusiastic, and strong-willed.

Ed Hunt:  When is your Pro Day?  Are you ready for the big day?

Shakif Seymour:  Pro day is March 22. I am not really worried about the Pro Day. I put a lot of work into it. I’m not going to stress about it and when the lights come on, I am going to put on a performance.