NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Gennard Johnson, DT, Southern Nazarene

What is your name?

Gennard Johnson

What is your Height/Weight?

6’0 303 pounds

What is your position?

Defensive Tackle

Where do you play college football?

Southern Nazarene

Where are you from?

Waxahachie Texas

Who is your role model, and why?

My Parents are my role models. They work so hard to make ends meet! One day I want to be consistent and steadfast just like them.

Who was your favorite teacher?

It’s a three way tie!!!  Nancy Wallace(3rd grade) Kareece McKie(5th grade reading) Sharleen Anderson(5th grade math)

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball in middle school.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Kyle Frazier(Auburn transfer) he played quarterback at Ouachita Baptist

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

Nate Walker. First glance at him he doesn’t look like a good ball player because of his size. But he’s a game changer with the ball in his hands!!!! He has Unbelievable speed and a heart of a lion!!

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

“Straight from the Shoulder” -Bobby “blue” Bland

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

Brandon Mebane. His get off and pad leverage is phenomenal. Very physical with his hands at the point of attack. And can make athletic plays when needed.

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

My biggest obstacle was not to become  a statistic or someone who “should have been………”. I made it my business to be on top of my books. I wanted to go to college and be a first generation graduate. My dad always told me “the football skills are there. Get an education”. If it wasn’t for my father instilling that in me I don’t know where I would be.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always put my equipment on exactly the same every week! I’m a huge southern blues fan. I have to have my Johnnie Taylor playlist before the game also!

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

4th down on the 1 yard line. We were  playing Southern Arkansas and I’m playing the 3 tech. The guard and Tackle tried to to double team me. I spilt the double with no problem and made a TFL!

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

Every summer since my freshman year of college. A Few of my close friends and I ,have given back to the community through these huge “block parties” . We have feed thousands of people for free. It all started with a vision I’ve had since I was a child. I wanted to be like Brain Waters he would come home and host these huge block parties. With free tee shirts, autographs, food etc. He’s a great man and he cared about his community. I wanted to do the same when I was able.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Dallas Cowboys

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

Kelley Lynch Aguilar(God parent), Warren Sapp, Deacon Jones