Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Kevin Henry, OL, Central Michigan University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Kevin Patrick Henry

What is your Height/Weight?

6’5” 305

What is your position?

Offensive Line- C/G/T

Where do you play college football?

Central Michigan University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I don’t know the exact number. 9 scholarship offers.

How did you choose your school?

I fell in love with the school and community when I took an unofficial visit. I could tell that the University and community had a passion for CMU football. CMU was also coming off a season in which they finished in the top 25 with players like Antonio Brown and Dan LeFevour. I saw that they had built a championship culture and I wanted to be a part of that culture.

Where are you from?

Morris, IL 60 miles southwest of Chicago. A very small community.

Who is your role model, and why?

My role models are my parents. My parents have always been there for me. Even throughout college they never missed a single one of my games. I have seen them both work extremely hard in order to provide for my two brothers and me. They instilled a work ethic in me that I take with me everywhere I go. They were the ones that taught me that nothing is ever handed to anyone and that everything I want in life must be earned through hard work. For that, they are my role models.

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

None

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played football basketball and baseball growing up.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In college I only played offensive line. In high school I was a tight end and a defensive end.

At your position, what separates you from others?

What separates me from others is my intense work ethic. I never was the biggest, fastest, or strongest kid but I was always the hardest working. At my position I believe my footwork and knowledge of blocking schemes is what separates me from others.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When watching film on opponents I always try to find tendencies. Most defensive linemen have certain moves they like to go to in certain situations. I like to find what those tendencies are and master them so I am fully prepared when it comes game time. When watching film on myself I look for mistakes. Whether it be in my footwork or assignment I always try to figure out my mistakes so I don’t make them again. I also watch to learn from other people’s mistakes to make sure I don’t make those mistakes.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest player I ever faced was Leterrius Walton. He was D-lineman on our team at Central Michigan. In my opinion he is one of the best linemen in the country. Every day and every play he brought it at practice.

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

I wouldn’t compare my self to any one player in the NFL but I try to model my game after Joe Staley and Jason Peters. Joe Staley is a CMU alum and one of the best tackles in the NFL. His footwork and timing are some of the things I like to watch and apply to my game. Jason Peters is one of the best tackles in the game as well. He has quick feet and stuns defenders with his quickness. I like to apply some of his tactics to my game as well.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I don’t do anything in particular. I just like to relax and be around the guys on the team. I like to stay calm.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my footwork and my speed. I believe I have good, fast feet that I use to my advantage in games.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is also my speed. Sometimes I find myself getting to spots to fast in games causing me to get beat.

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

I have a passion for the game unmatched and my knowledge and athleticism would add great value.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Brian Urlacher and the Chicago Bears.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Rock

Michael Jordan

**