2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Hoecht, DL, Brown University

• Name: Michael Hoecht
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 285
• Position: DL
• College: Brown University
• Twitter: @MHoecht93

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

•Although I was born in Canada, my hometown is Oakwood, Ohio. Its where I fell in love with the game of football. Every Friday night, the high school football game was the place to be and the entire community would show up to support the Lumberjacks. It was my privilege to grow up in such a supportive, close, and safe city.

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

• Strength and Conditioning, Practice, Film Study. It’s difficult to rank these because all are vitally important to becoming a good player. I put strength and conditioning first because it is the foundation that every player stands on in order to be physically able to practice. The college football season is short, especially in the Ivy League, so the majority of a player’s time throughout the year goes toward strength and conditioning. Practice comes next because taking game-like reps throughout the week and practicing relentless effort is mandatory in becoming a good player. Defensive line is not a position where you can just “turn it on” come gameday. It pains me to put film study last because it can turn a good player great and a great team into champions. Knowing assignments, tendencies, and schemes can give you an edge in a sport where the margin between winning and losing is so thin.

What do you worry about, and why?

• I’m not a big worrier. I get done everything that I can and seek out help or advice whenever I need it. 

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

• When I think of failure, I think of the football games I’ve lost over the years. You’re only guaranteed a finite amount in your life and letting one go bothers me. That’s what keeps me going every week, the opportunity to play in what could always be my last game.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• High Energy. I’ve always been an enthusiastic person on and off the field which has helped me give great effort at all times. 

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

There have been a lot of great players I’ve played against in the Ivy League. Foyesade Oluokun and John Lovett both come to mind. However, the most memorable has to be Justin Watson and his 80-yard touchdown on the first play of the game against us my sophomore year. 

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

• If it weren’t for football, I’d likely enter the financial sector because it requires many of the same transferable skills. Hard work, long hours, a team focused mindset, and competition to name a few. 

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

• If I had a car, I’d definitely clean it first. But for now, I have to settle with keeping my room clean followed by my desk.

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

• Pretty grim question but if I had to choose, I’d save a family member. While I’m sure the three strangers are great people, my family means a lot to me and I wouldn’t be able to let them go. 

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

• Without a doubt I’d be Batman. The Dark Knight movies are some of my favorite.

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

• The biggest adversity in my life has been moving cities multiple times as a teenager. It was tough to pack your things up and leave your friends multiple times. It did teach me how to become comfortable with discomfort and a learned passion for seeking out new opportunities. I’ve made lots of great friends and connections across Canada and the United States and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. 

What is your most embarrassing moment?

• My parents definitely have some home videos out there that I’m hoping never see the light of day.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

• Week 4 of my freshman year when I made my college football debut against Stetson. I had a sack on the second or third drive I was in. Great moment as a freshman.

What song best describes your work ethic?

• Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen. 

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

• I’m a fast learner. Between high school and college, I’ve played for 7 different defensive line coaches. All of whom teach their technique differently. My ability to adapt and pick up new playing styles quickly will be an added bonus for transitioning into the next level.  

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

• Robin Williams, his movies were a huge part of my childhood. 

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

• The Gatsby, and it would travel from city to city opening for only a weekend.  

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?

• James Develin

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

• Respected. It’s impossible to get everyone to like you, but it is possible to earn everyone’s respect.  

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

• While I’m sure there are some exceptions, I generally have the mindset that playing football is a job and part of the job is managing yourself on and off the field. It’s always tragic to see good players have their career derailed but being a football player is about more than making plays on the field. 

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

• Love to win. The feeling after winning a football game is rivaled by no other. While losing is one of the most frustrating experiences someone can go through, the allure of winning keeps players coming back for more. 

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

• My parents. They’ve always been a constant influence on my life. Could not have asked for more loving or supportive parents.