2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kai Callins, RB, Emporia State University

• Name: Kai Callins
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 195lbs
• Position: RB/WR, Place Holder, PR
• College: Emporia State University
• Twitter: @KaiCallins

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

Lived in a small town in Oklahoma where they absolutely loved football. What I loved most about the community is that they were very involved in their high school sports.

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

Strength & Conditioning, Film, Practice

What do you worry about, and why?

I worry about never having the opportunity to reach my full potential in athletics. I have suffered some injuries in the past, and I still feel that I have yet to show what I truly have to offer.

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

One failure that still haunts to this day was my Sophomore year in high school. I helped lead our basketball team to the semi-finals in state tournament. No one expected us to make it that far and I had the honor of receiving the “X-Factor” reward entering the tournament for our team. During the semi-finals, I shot 0/11 with 2 points and I was in foul trouble all game. I overcame that failure by spending countless hours in the gym, both lifting and shooting the ball, to make sure that I would never fail my team again.

What do your teammates say is your best quality? 

I believe that they would say my best quality is my perspective on being positive. No matter the scenario, I always try to look at what positive can come out of the situation.

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

Jacob Vollstedt (NW Missouri State LB #43) and Case Weitl (NW Missouri State DE #73)

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

If football did not work out, I would definitely pursue a career in golf.

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

Room

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

One family member. Family is one of the most important things to me. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my family and the influences that have had on me.

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

Robert McCall from “Equalizer” played by Denzel Washington. I really love this character because he sees the best in people regardless of what they may have done.

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

Biggest adversity I think I have faced is my parents getting a divorce. I am still struggling with it to this day but having positive people around me and having my music/headphones has helped me overcome the situation.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Whenever I was a defensive back in high school, some of the most embarrassing moments for me were when a scout team player would make a play on me, or if we were in a game and the WR scored on me. Moments like that use to drive me as I did not like the feeling of someone making a play on me whenever I knew I was a better player.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

We were down in a game and we needed some explosive play to get us back in the game. The QB checked me into pass protection near the goal line. Two blitzers came free off the edge that were unaccounted for. I proceed to cut the first outside blitzer, QB rolled out the pocket, I got back to my feet, peel blocked the second blitzer, and the QB proceeded to score a rushing touchdown.

What song best describes your work ethic?

Grindin’ -NF

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

I think my faith in knowing that God is going to get me through it. Whether something turns out the way I want it or turns out the way I didn’t want it, I know that God is going to allow me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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

I don’t think I would bring back anyone. If I was meant to know them or if they were still alive and I did know them, I don’t think they would make the impact that they would’ve if they were still on Earth today.

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

Supa Fly Dance Club

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

Leighton Vander Esch

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

Respected. Because I know that I have led by example and done things right in order to earn individual’s respect. 

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

Josh Gordon. I just think he had so much athletic potential that I have not been able to witness in my lifetime. When he could play, he was a force to be wreckin’ with.

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

I absolutely hate to lose! I grew up winning championships so I am accustomed to winning. So when I lose, it eats at me and I try to evaluate the film to see what I could have done better to giver us a chance to win.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

I think Keaton, Coach Cochran, and my wife Mallory had the biggest influences on me. They all have helped me through times in my life and kept me upbeat whenever I didn’t think I could go any further. They helped pushed me to be a better man and athlete each and every day.