Curtis Akins
Linebacker
Memphis
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Curtis Akins: 6’2, 238 and 4.50 40 time.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Curtis Akins: Michael Johnson Performance. There are about 35 players here. I have been here for about two months since the second week of January.
Alex Khvatov: What are your expectations for the Pro Day?
Curtis Akins: The pro day will take place on March 27th. I am expecting to test in the top 5 in every category at my position. I have a chip on my shoulder that I didn’t get invited to the Combine. I looked at some of the guys at the Combine, and my stats were better than some of them.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Curtis Akins: I am from a small area in Mississippi. I went to a small high school. We had about 300 people at my high school. My father passed away in third grade. I started playing football in the 9th grade. My high school coach became a father figure to me. I had Memphis, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Memphis?
Curtis Akins: I liked the coaches. I knew some of my teammates that were going to be there.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Curtis Akins: My ability to breakdown the defense. I have a high IQ level. I know what is going to happen before the play happens. MY mind is very quick.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Curtis Akins: I am working on every part of my overall game.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Curtis Akins: We went to three conference championships. We went to a bowl game every year. I had to sit out my freshman year because I got hurt. I finished the season with about 40 tackles during my sophomore year. During my junior year, the linebacker in front of me got hurt. The coaches put me in, and I stayed there during the rest of my career. I came to Memphis in the rebuilding stage.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Curtis Akins: Being around my boys in locker room. Strapping on the pads every day and playing football.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Curtis Akins: The number one thing is graduating with a degree.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Curtis Akins: Determination. Keep climbing in life. No moment is too big, just do what you are supposed to do. Practice how you play and learn every day.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your teammate RB Darrell Henderson?
Curtis Akins: He is one of the most humbling guys. He comes to work and does what he is supposed to do. Then goes home.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Curtis Akins: I watch every NFL game, but I don’t have a favorite team.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Curtis Akins: Patrick Willis.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Curtis Akins: Leadership, accountability and instincts.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Curtis Akins: I check the personnel and the formation. I read the O-linemen and what are the indications that they might be giving away. I read both of the guards and the whole offensive line.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Curtis Akins: RB Patrick Taylor, LB Javaris Russell, LB Tim Hart and WR Damonte Coxie.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Curtis Akins: Drew Lock was pretty nice. RB David Montgomery was a good RB.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Curtis Akins: It is a passion of mine. Everybody don’t get the opportunity to keep playing football after high school or after college. You have to take advantage of this opportunity.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Curtis Akins: A leader is a field general. All of your teammates look up to you. You take on a leadership role. You have to be accountable for your actions.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Curtis Akins: I have a five-month old son. I spend time with him.
Alex Khvatov: How has fatherhood changed your outlook on life?
Curtis Akins: It makes you hungrier in life.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Curtis Akins: Coaching.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Curtis Akins: Determined, accountable, hard-working, grit and focused.
