2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthew Hocum, WR, University of Southern California
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Matthew Hocum
- USC (University of Southern California)
- WR
- 5’10”
- 175lbs.
- Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
- Twitter: @MatthewHocum
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
As an athlete, I have always been motivated to be the best version of myself possible and the love I get from playing the game. I think about that young boy balling on the blacktop and am motivated by the dreams and promises I made to myself to strive to be the best and play at the highest level. I’ve always been self-motivated so I never needed it but I got extra motivation now. I do it for my baby boy MJ. I want to make him proud and give him the world.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
Energetic and hardworking. I would do anything for my team and they know that. I give it my all every time I step on that field. People feed off the energy and when you work hard good things happen, so when we go out there I give it my all and have fun.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
- Never settle. My mom told me that when I was young and it’s something I live by.
- Stay true to yourself.
- Work hard, do your best and let God handle the rest.
- Have fun with it.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Iman Marshall. He is tough and a really smart player.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
If we’re going by position, the best wide receiver is Julio Jones.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
Kansas City Chiefs. They have so many offensive weapons, and a great playbook.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
I try to look at failures as learning experiences. It may be hard in the moment but you need to take a step back and ask yourself why did this happen and what can I do to get better from this experience. This is how we grow. Failure can be the best teacher because you’re definitely going to remember the lessons you learned.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
DeSean Jackson. I have always liked his game. Not the biggest dude but lighting fast and electrifying.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
I would tell myself don’t stress and be patient. Life is going to play out just the way that it needs to. Just do your thing on and off the field and have fun with it. I’ve learned to live by this motto and it has gotten me through tough times. You can only control what you can. Do your best and let it happen.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Salad Farm for sure.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“Live and Learn.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
I’m always going to tell you if you ask me but the most surprising artist I listen to is probably Duke Ellington.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Michael Jordan. He is one of my favorite athletes and he is the ultimate competitor. I’m bringing a notebook and pen and taking notes the entire time too. I know I would learn a lot about both sports and business.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for my character and the difference I made in people’s lives.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
I’m bringing the heat and I’ll give you everything I got.
