NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Romello Brooker, TE, University of Houston
Player Profile:
- Romello Brooker
- University of Houston
- TE
- 6’5”
- 253lbs.
- Houston, TX
- Twitter: @BrookerRomello
- Instagram: highly_favored_brooker
2018 Statistics:
- GP: 13
- Receptions: 33
- Receiving Yards: 409
- YPR: 12.39
- TD: 7
What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?
Beast – Rob Bailey & The Hustle Standard (feat. Busta Rhymes).
How would your teammates describe you as both a player and person?
As a person, I am genuine, humble man who values my faith, my loving family and my work ethic. I am a guy who is going to work hard regardless of the circumstance or situation.
As a player, they would describe my relentless work ethic and my desire to do everything I can to help our team prepare and play at the highest level. I put the team above all else.
How do you and your teammates make practice and film study fun?
We compete daily on the practice field and in the weight room to better ourselves, and we keep tallies on how many plays were made by each of us each day. We watch film together and pump each other up when we make plays.
When you are studying film, what is your main focus to gain a competitive advantage?
Watching the tendencies and alignments of my opponent according to the offensive personnel that are in the game. I focus on the players I will be matched against and watch what he is good at (whether it be good hands or if he comes head first every time (I call that a “head case”)). I also watch how the linebacker or D-End plays the run. When I watch this I look at whether he is a downhill linebacker or a smart, finesse linebacker that likes to avoid contact. This determines my approach on second level blocking. For D-Ends, I look at his style of play—is he a bull rusher or have multiple techniques—and I study what his “go to” moves are. When I study coverages, I watch how aggressive or passive the linebackers are. This determines my approach on either running by the backer or defeating hands then running by if he likes to collision on the route.
While at the Collegiate level, who has been the toughest player you have competed against?
That is a tough question because we have played against so many talented defenders. I would say Dakota Allen was the toughest this past year because he is a very smart player and smart players are the hardest players to go against and win the one on one battles.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
First off I am most grateful for my life itself. God doesn’t have to give us the days we live nor the air we breathe. Everyday I have on earth to enjoy my blessings and better myself—I am so grateful for that. Without life and air to breathe, I can’t take care of my fiancé and my child, without life my mom has no son to love.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?
I would wake up tomorrow and do the right things that make others respect me more than they did the day before. That’s what I am working for right now—to earn the respect I deserve from my hard work.
What do you value most from your Collegiate experience?
Meeting my lovely fiancé, Selena. She means the world to me and my priority is to take care of her and my family.
Who is your personal hero?
My mother, Lionese Whittaker.
Tell me something about yourself nobody would know.
I am a movie head, I love to draw, and I love gospel music.
How do you work on yourself?
I get closer and closer to God every chance I get because through Him all is possible. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my fiancé, Selena, at her favorite restaurant. She fills my heart each day and every experience we have together is always different and interesting.
If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?
I would want teleportation powers. This way I could be anywhere I wanted and get there faster than the speed of light.
What would constitute a perfect day for you?
A day that I’ve been very productive, worked hard and given 100% of my time and energy toward my goals. I would also want to have made my family members smile at least once.
Who inspired you as a young athlete?
My step father, Reggie. He never pushed me too much, but he has instilled in me the competitor and beast I am today. He taught me to be the best at everything I do.
What are the positive attributes that you bring to a professional football team?
I understand what it takes to be a professional thanks to my parents. I aspire to be a great team leader and use my relentless work ethic to be productive and motivate others. I put the team first and I’m willing to do all in my power to help the team win. I am a high-character guy who has a strong and healthy relationship with my family and my faith—the team would never have to worry about my conduct off the field.
Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge.
Losing my grandfather at a young age. He was my guy and I was his everything. Growing up, hitting milestones and accomplishments without him being there to see any of it has put a toll on me. It is something I have had to deal with, but I realize my grandfather is still watching me from above. I truly miss and love him.
What one skill would you like to improve on? What’s your plan for doing so?
I’d like to be better at making moves in the open field and breaking open field tackles. I plan to practice more “move making” decision drills.
If you could catch a TD from any NFL QB, past or present, who would It be and why?
Joe Montana, a true life legend. He is one of the best quarterbacks of all time.
What current/former NFL player do you model your playing style after?
Jordan Reed. Like Jordan, I focus on running the best routes, great hands (natural pass catcher), my lengthy stride helps me get behind the defense. We also have similar size and desire to block well.
What is the best part of your hometown; Houston, TX?
The Houston Skyline. We have a beautiful downtown.
In 15 words or less, give me your pitch to an NFL GM on why you should be a part of their organization.
I will play anything to help the team win. While still producing making others better.
