NFL DraftProspect Interviews

NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Brady Oliveira, RB, University of North Dakota

Brady Oliveira the running back from the University of North Dakota is a hard runner who reminds me of Raheem Mostert of the San Francisco 49ers. Oliveira recently interviewed with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jonathan Joyce.

2018 Statistics

162 carries – 936 yards – 5.78 YPC – 8 TDs.

What is your name?

Brady Oliveira.

Where do you play College Football?

University of North Dakota.

What position do you play?

Running Back.

What is your height/weight?

5’10″ 225lbs.

Did you play any other sports growing up? If so, what were they?

I grew up playing soccer my entire life. It was almost just in my blood with my dad being born and raised is Rio De Janeiro, Brasil.

Who is the toughest player you have competed against in College?

Chase Hansen (Utah Utes).

Are you listening to music before a game? If so, what?

Everyday artist that I love listening to is my guy Drake, we are both Canadian so I got to support, but music that I am listening to before a game would be Rap music and artists such as Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, The Game.

Do you have any superstitions before a game? If so, what are they?

I wouldn’t say superstitions, but taking care of my body and recovery is extremely important to me so I just make sure to my sure I am extremely hydrated and to roll out and do a long stretch series the night before the game and before the game.

Who is your role model & why?

My role model would be my older brother Kyle. With all the adversity and everything that he has been through growing up, he was able to be that father figure to my sister and I. The work ethic and drive that he has gave my sister and motivation to be like him. He is truly the hardest working person that I know. With him being a professional boxer and MMA fighter, he also was able to show me how to handle yourself as a pro while you’re competing, in the gym, how to take care of your body and nutrition, but then also when your outside and away from your sport, how to hold yourself to a high standard create a solid brand.

You are a Criminal Justice major. What made you pursue that subject?

Well growing up my favorite show was cops on T.V, but also loved all the shows that had anything to do with law and the justice system. I also really want to work with at risk youth and have been thinking about group homes and potentially owning my own someday, but also been thinking about starting my own non-profit or charity for at risk youth.

While in College, what has been your favorite & least favorite class?

Favorite class outside my major would be geography of Canada, because me being from Canada I knew pretty much everything and the professor was my favorite one at UND. Favorite Class in my major was my capstone class, criminal justice administrations because the professor really challenged our learning and got us to think. Least favorite class in college would have to of been Biological anthropology, because I just found it really dull and tedious.

What made you choose the University of North Dakota?

The University of North Dakota was my only offer coming out of high school, but I embrace that now because it will only make my story sweeter and can and will give kids that were in my shoes during the recruiting process some motivation. One thing I will say about UND is that I felt like a priority and that I was needed at UND, and me playing as a true freshman right away is what I am talking about.

Outside of Football, what has been your favorite experience while in College?

Favorite experience in college would have to be growing in my faith. I grew up catholic, but wouldn’t stay I had the strongest faith, but for me he was an image that I just grew up believing. I met amazing people at UND and was a part of different bible groups and was able to go on a mission trip during my spring break to El, Salvador. Growing in my faith and being surrounded with people with the same goals and beliefs was something extremely special. I learnt what It meant to have a true authentic relationship with Christ and to let him be in control.

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL Team & NFL player, & why?

Favorite NFL Team growing up and still is the Minnesota Vikings, and favorite player was Adrian Peterson. I am from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada and from there the closest NFL team to us is the Vikings, so that’s why I became a fan. Adrian Peterson when he was with the Vikings was phenomenal and was a guy that I looked up to and strived to be like when I grew up.

If you could be in any movie of your choice, what would it be & what character would you play?

The Pursuit of Happyness and would love to play Chris Gardner (Will Smith). He is an amazing actor and what he goes through in that movie and the constant drive and persistence for him and his son is amazing.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who are they?

  1. Muhammad Ali.
  2. Drake.
  3. Thomas Edison.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose & why?

Walter Payton so I could hear his story and pick his brain about the Running Back position.

Who is your favorite superhero & why?

Spider-Man, because that’s what I grew up watching.

What is your definition of hard work?

My definition of hard work would be countless effort during a task at hand.

What is the most unexpected lesson you learned while in College?

I thought college was going to be extremely challenging academically, and it was, but I was worried about some classes that I would have to face. The lesson that I learned and that goes on in everyday life for people is if you want something then go get it, with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

What is something you wish you could go back & tell yourself as a High School Freshman?

I would tell myself to focus on speed work and that the strength will come with time as you get older.

Why do you wear #5?

I actually wore #29 my whole life, then made the switch my junior year of high school to #5 and have been wearing it ever since. There is no particular reason why I wear #5 besides the fact that I love single digit numbers on football players.

What is the best part of your hometown, Winnipeg, MB?

One of my favorite things about Winnipeg, Manitoba is there is nothing better than a summer night Winnipeg Blue Bombers football game (CFL) with your buddies at Investors Group Field.

Who do you choose: Jordan, LeBron, Steph or Kobe? Why?

I can say Jordan because I didn’t grow up watching basketball, but when I started I was a Lebron James fan because he does a lot on his own and he is an extremely hard worker and deserves everything that he gets.

Are you a PS4 or Xbox One guy? What games are you playing right now?

Xbox One! I strictly play Fortnite.

What has been your most memorable moment as a student-athlete?

Graduating from college in 3.5 years while playing football and being a first generation.

If you could have three wishes granted, what would they be?

  1. To play in the NFL.
  2. A tropical destination trip with all my family and friends.
  3. Repay everyone that has helped me along my life.

What is your hidden talent?

I think that I am a great cook.

If there is a book written about Brady Oliveira, what is the title?

Hungry.

What are three things on your “Bucket List?”

  1. Go on a mission trip somewhere in Africa.
  2. Travel around the world.
  3. Go Scuba diving and snorkeling.

Are you binge watching anything right now?

I just finished Breaking Bad, totally recommend it.

If you had one free hour each day, how would you choose to use it?

I just got into reading, so that is what I would do.

If you could run over any NFL D-Lineman, past or present, who would it be & why?

Whoever is in my way is getting ran over because I am a violent runner.

What are three words to give NFL scouts that define Brady Oliveira?

  1. Tough.
  2. Driven.
  3. Effort.

What is your inspiration?

My biggest inspiration though would have to be my mother. That is my why in life and I do everything for her. Seeing everything that she went through while I was growing up was tough to see, but I am wanting to change that and give her everything that she deserves. She is the strongest and toughest woman that I know.

What current/former NFL player do you compare yourself to?

Marshawn Lynch and Mark Ingram. I love the way that Marshawn Lynch runs the football, he is a violent runner like me, but he also has the juice to take it to the house and also catches the ball extremely well out the backfield which I do well also. My running back coach in college compared me to Mark Ingram, and I am also a fan of his game.

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