Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Bryan Presume, LB, Southern Illinois

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: Bryan Presume, LB, Southern Illinois

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I received a lot of attention coming out of high school around 20-25 schools or so and received a few offers from some FBS teams but my academics didn’t allow me to qualify coming out of school so I was forced to take another route to get to Division 1.

How did you come to make your college decision?

Really I just picked a school I felt I could have an immediate impact at mostly.

Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?

I’m training at a facility in Atlanta, Georgia. My goals are to just separate myself athletically than everyone else at my position in this draft class.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

I met with a couple of teams during the season, and they were saying I looked good on film and they saw a lot of potential.


At your position, what separates you from the others?

I feel my best quality as a linebacker is just my overall speed, agility and quickness. I’m able to make a lot plays all over the field that most linebackers can’t make. That also allows me to maneuver around bigger/ slower lineman to get to the ball carrier.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

When watching film, first thing I look for is how the RB runs the ball. If he is a shifty guy, power runner or somewhere in between. I try to see if he has a signature move he uses a lot such as stiff arm, spin move jump cut etc. Then I look for how fast lineman get up to the 2nd level and also how well they move athletically because for a linebacker their the obstacle you must beat to get to the ball carrier. Lastly, I look for tendencies the team may do throughout a game, like plays they run during certain areas on the field, down and distance etc.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Chris Elkins from Youngstown State without a doubt, that kid is a ball player. Also Shakir Bell out of Indiana State.

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

Lavonte David and Danny Trevathan are guys I see the most similar to myself. Both are fast smaller linebackers that are natural play-makers that hold up very well against the run as well as in pass coverage

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

All the transitions I had to make after high school. Having to go from prep school to Junior College to finally settling at SIU. I feel a lot of guys wouldn’t have been able to continue to pursue their dreams after making all of those pit stops and I think I shows my character as well as my determination as a football player.

What system fits your style of play the best?

Basically all 4-3 teams as a outside backer. Ideally, teams that run a lot of Tampa 2 because I feel I can hold up in coverage really well.

What is your biggest strength?

Like I said before, definitely my overall speed and athleticism. I think being a former safety has allowed me to separate myself from many linebackers I’ve seen.

What is your biggest weakness?

Biggest weakness may be just getting off blocks faster. It’s is something I’ve dedicated myself to improve on and will also continue to do so.

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

I have a mentally to always try and be the most dominant player on the field. I try to make a statement every time I step on the field and to outwork my opponent/ competition. I’m also a true student of the game without a doubt. I’ve had to learn a lot of defenses through my journey after high school going from prep school to junior college and then to Southern Illinois and being an immediate starter at all three of those schools. I can learn a playbook faster and will able to transfer that knowledge to the field quicker than most players.

Growing up, who was your role model?

My father

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

I’ve always been a falcons fan being from Atl. My favorite player usually changes from season to season but as of now my favorite overall player is Richard Sherman just because he plays the game with so much energy and confidence and shows up week after week. But my favorite LB is Lavonte David.

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

Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Gates, and Beyoncé.

What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?

Honestly, probably just give the whole thing to my parents for everything they have done for me throughout my life.