Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Garrison Ushery, OL, University of West Georgia

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?

Garrison Ushery

What is your Height/Weight?

6’1”/315

What is your position?

Center and Guard

Where do you play college football?

University of West Georgia

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

In high school I was being recruited by 15 teams my senior year.

How did you choose your school?

On Signing Day, I signed with Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. I received the Presidential Scholarship along with a football scholarship to make it a full ride. Engineering was offered as a major and I also have two brothers who live in Raleigh. After my freshman year I transferred to the University of West Georgia and walked on. I chose UWG because we have some of the best facilities in the nation and I saw a great opportunity to be a starter and make my contributions to the team.

Where are you from?

I am from Austell, Georgia, a small city outside of Atlanta.

Who is your role model, and why?

I would have to say my role models are my parents and my cousin. My farther, Gerald Ushery taught me at a young age to never quit and when you start something you must finish it. My mother, Phoebe Ushery has always taught me how to set and accomplish goals. I have witnessed my mother work day and night to meet all the challenges in her business. My cousin, Officer Celita Wingfield has always motivated me to be the best that I can be and has set a great example of how to be successful at a young age.

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

I have talk with 2 scouts and they were impressed with my accolades.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played baseball and basketball growing up. In high school I threw the shot put and disks, wrestled, and played lacrosse. I actually didn’t start playing football until the 8^th grade.

Did you play any other positions in football?

During my football career I have mostly played Offensive Guard and Center but I also played Right Tackle and Defensive Tackle.

At your position, what separates you from others?

What separates me from other players is my determination to win, smarts, and film study.

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

When I watch film I am evaluating how my opponent reacts in different plays. For example, how does my opponent play against the run or when it’s a pass play what are his pass rush moves. I also study my opponent to pick up on his tendencies. Often I notice that a Defensive Lineman may twist or stunt by his line level, alignment or by his stance.

YOU CAN CHECK OUT GARRISON’S HIGHLIGHT HERE

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

I would have to give it to Lawrence Virgil of Valdosta State University. He is now on the active roster for the New Orleans Saints.

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

I like to compare myself to Jamie Dukes of the Atlanta Falcons. He wasn’t the tallest man on the field but he effectively got the job done.

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

The biggest obstacle that I had to cross so far was walking on at West Georgia. I was leaving a guaranteed situation at Saint Augustine’s College to go to a new team where my future in football was uncertain

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Before the game I listen to my playlist, walk the field with my brothers and say a prayer beside the goal post.

What is your biggest strength?

My strengths are my game preparation, physical strength, and my smarts.

What is your biggest weakness?

My weakness is I tend to dwell on previous plays that did not go my way.

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

All I need is an opportunity.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons are my favorites.

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

I would have dinner with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Deion Sanders and Chris Tucker.