NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Michael Whitfield, OL, West Texas A&M University

• Name: Michael Whitfield             
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 285
• Position: C, OG, T
• College: West Texas A&M University
• Twitter: @MWhitWT

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

My hometown is Odessa, Texas and the biggest thing I love about it is our fan base. Coming from Permian High School we have always been loved by our community win or lose. I also love the blue-collar work ethic that the town has, I try to bring that same mentality to everything I do.

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

1. Film Study
2. Strength and Conditioning
3. Practice

I feel that the body cannot go unless the mind is there first, film study is a major part of my routine not only to learn my opponent that week but to gain my motivation for that week. I like to learn my opponent and visualize me beating him every rep I do in the weight room or in practice. Knowing what I have allows me to attack my week and to produce in the weight room and in practice.

What do you worry about, and why?

My biggest worry is not performing to my fullest potential in anything I do. I was always taught to give maximum effort in all aspects of my life and strive to not sell myself short.

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

One of my most memorable shortcoming would be my first spring moving to center. I had never snapped in my life and result was a bad exchange under center or an overhead snap in shotgun almost every time. I would leave practice frustrated every day because I knew I was focusing too much on snapping and it slowed me down. I would go home and watch video of different centers and how they play as well as snap at least 100-150 snaps extra a day. I did so every day until fall camp started in which I solidified my starting spot at center for the 2017 season.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

They would say that my greatest quality would be my resiliency, I have always been known to never quit regardless of how much pain I was in. They knew they could always count on me to sell out for them and to give them my all and when all is given, give even more.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Defensive End Clayton Callicutt from Angelo State my freshman year

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football?

I would pursue a career in my degree field which is Criminal Justice, I plan to work my way up to a federal position one day.

Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?

Clean room is a must, I can deal with a dirty car or desk but cannot come home to a dirty room.

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

I would save three strangers in hopes that they will save more people. I would also hope that my family would save others as well rather than save me knowing that they could do more good helping others.

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

I would be Rocky because of his heart and determination. He was always doubted and always found a way to overcome adversity.

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

The biggest would be rehabbing and coming back from my knee injury and surgery. I would often find myself frustrated because I could not do what I wanted to do physically, I had to think about moves before I made them. I also felt distant from the team and would feel empty without being around my brothers. I overcame it by praying and training hard, I had to remind myself of my blessing in life and that I had a lot of people in my corner who wanted me to succeed.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

My senior year of high school I was in the front line walking out with my teammates on the fox sports game of the week and face planted in front of everyone.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

Creating the hole that sprung our running back for a 78 yard game winning touchdown on my senior night as well as our last ever game in Kimbrough Stadium.

What song best describes your work ethic?

Ambition by Wale

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non Physical) to help you succeed at the next level?

I believe my best trait would be my football IQ, I have a great feel for the game and have a knack to see the big picture and understand how each part of a play works. By understanding the process of a play allows me to be patient in my play to put me in the right position to be successful each play.

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

I would bring my grandmother back who just passed this summer, I would tell her that I love her and that I will always carry her with me wherever I go. This season was for her and I would want her to know that she was my strength and guidance every time I strapped up.

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it?

I would name it “The Spot” because it would be the spot to be every weekend.

Who is the most overrated player in the NFL?

This would be a tough question to answer, it is hard to cast judgment on guys that have made it and are living the life that I hope to experience one day.

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

I would rather be respected, there is no greater feeling than gaining respect from an enemy or someone that dislikes you.

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

By no means do I condone what he did but I do feel for Michael Vick. I remember growing up and watching how amazing he was and seeing the things that he did on the field. I do admire than he manned up to his mistakes and served his time but his bad decisions cost him an amazing career and cost the fans a lot of joy. The Michael Vick we got after he served his time was never the same.