NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Anthony Grady, DE, Missouri State

gradyDraft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Anthony Grady, DE, Missouri State

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Going into my senior year there were several teams recruiting me. Baylor, Louisiana Tech, and Missouri State were the top schools that showed interest.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Missouri State because I really felt a good connection with the defensive line coach and knew immediately he would be able to form me as a player and as a young man. I also felt they showed me the most interest during official visits. On my official visits I felt at home and comfortable on campus and with the football staff. Another reason I chose Missouri State was because of the family atmosphere amongst the coaching staff and players. Overall I felt Missouri State really wanted to take the time to develop me for football as well as life after football, which was very important in my opinion.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My goals for my senior year might be a little different from most people’s goals. My senior year my coach set me down and told me that he wasn’t worried about the football stuff, he knew I could do that well. He wanted me to work on things that would shape me as a young man. He told me that I have to do everything off the field, just like I do on the field, perfect. So I made it my goal to do everything right my senior year. I am a firm believer when you do everything right off the field it tends to show on the field. I believe when you set a positive example for others on and off the field, the sky is the limit. Another goal that was very important to me was to honor God in EVERYTHING. I strongly believe that when you honor God in everything, you cannot fail. 

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
After my pro day I spoke with the Dallas Cowboys, Saint Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs. They told me that they really enjoyed watching me work out and that I looked very good. They were really impressed by my 3 cone time (6.9).The Rams told me that they had talked with my high school coach and really liked everything he had to say and that they like the way I moved. The Cowboys were impressed with my “Get Off” and change of direction. I recently had a workout with the Colts and they are really impressed with my deep snapping and footwork.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I believe my size, leverage, footwork, functional strength, explosion and mean streak is what separates me from other people. I have never been extremely strong in the weight room but have always seemed to over power people that are ten times stronger than me on the football field. I also use my fundamentals to my advantage. I really pay attention to detail and believe I play with great fundamentals. What I mean by this is playing with good pad level, hands, footwork, vision, leverage, etc. Most of all I think my most important trait is my mean streak ON the field. I might not be the strongest or the fastest but when I step on that field, I refuse to let someone get the best of me without a fight.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

The main thing I look at when I watch film is the offensive lineman’s tendencies. There is always something that offensive lineman do that indicate they are pulling, down blocking, base blocking, or pass blocking. I like to look to see if they lean when they are pulling, if they are light on their fingers when pass blocking, or heavy on their fingers when base blocking. I also like to study what kind of pass setter they are. Some offensive linemen are top heavy, where as some are bottom heavy. I like to study this and determine what pass moves will work best based off what type of pass setter they are. Lastly I like to watch the scheme of the offense. When I study the scheme of the offense it really helps me play more comfortable and knowledgeable. I really don’t like playing a game when the only thing I am reading is the offensive lineman. I like to have a idea what the play might be and what is going on around me. 

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

I cant really think of any off the top of my head

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

I would compare my play to Justin Smith for 49ers

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

The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome was when my Grandmother died. My Grandmother was my backbone and I really didn’t understand how much she loved me and did for me until she was gone. Getting over the fact that I took her for granted was really hard for me. But over time God gave me the strength to carry on. Without a doubt God got me through this obstacle in my life.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I really cant say that there is a specific system that fits me best. In college we ran a very complicated 3-4 defense where I played every position on the defensive line. Some plays the defensive ends had to stand up and cover. So in my opinion I can play anywhere on the defensive line. If I was to pick a specific system is would that of the Colts or Saints, which are 3-4 defenses. I also feel like I am capable of picking up stunts and movements in a 3-4 defense very quickly. I also play techniques like the 4 technique well, which is a position lots of people haven’t had to play.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my dedication to being great. I might not be the biggest or fastest but I will not let anyone outwork me, never. There will not be a minute go by that I think someone is out working me and I not go work harder. If I see somebody doing something better than me I love working on that specific thing until I have perfected it. I am constantly willing to work to make myself great at this game. 

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness would have be my strength. Without a doubt I have to get stronger. Athletic ability only goes so far when you are going against a 320 pound offensive lineman every play. So getting my strength up is definitely a must, but is something I am working extremely hard to change.

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

I would say that by you choosing me there would never be a time when you thought you made the wrong choice. The things I lack I make up for through hard work. If you want a player that is going to go to work for you, has the size, has the speed and ability I am your guy. I would let him know that I would do everything in my power to represent his football team the way it is supposed to be represented by a player, on and off the field. I would also like him to know that there will never be a time that a coach has to question my work ethic or ability to play in the NFL. I would let him know that whenever any coach called my name, I  Anthony Grady is going to be there ready to go. Lastly I would want to let him know that they can always count on me to do the right thing, no matter what the circumstances are.

Growing up, who was your role model?

Growing up my dad was my role model. Not a minute went by that I didn’t want to hang out with him. Anything my dad did I wanted to do it exactly like he did. Without my dad none of this would be possible.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

If I had to choose a team it would be the Dallas Cowboys. I was born in the south and the Dallas Cowboys are a religion in the south, pretty much. Growing up everybody I have ever been around has loved the Cowboys, I guess you could say it kind of just grew on me.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

If I could have dinner with anyone it would have to be with my grandmother. The thought of seeing her again definitely overcomes the interest of having dinner with anyone else.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

If I was blessed to receive a NFL paycheck I would have to say the first thing I would want to invest in is a good piece of land. My whole life I have wanted land, that way my family could all get together and have something to call their own. Over the years my family has scattered out, year after year. I think investing in a good chunk of land will not only be helpful financially on down the road, but also be good for my family as a whole

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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