2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Roosevelt Calhoun Jr., OLB, Western New Mexico University
- Name: Roosevelt Calhoun Jr.
- Height: 5’11
- Weight: 225
- Position: OLB/ILB/Hybrid
- College: Western New Mexico University
- Twitter: Rooseveltc__
Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?
• Being born in San Francisco. There are many things I come to love about the place. One thing that fascinates me is that there is always something going on in the city. I also love the tall buildings and the city view you get to see just from driving on the highway. However, I did do a lot of my growing up in Reno. There are tons friendly people there and I the snowy mountains were beautiful as well.
List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?
1st: Film Study
2nd:Practice
3rd:Strength & Conditioning
Through my experience all of these are very important but film study comes first. It’s where you break down, correct, and evaluate mistakes, as well as tendencies. How much time you put in if film study from practice and games, and how you apply that knowledge to the field is what will separate you from the thousands of other colligate athletes across the country. Next comes practice. Practice is where you hone and sharpen your skills. If you can’t perform in practice then it won’t be any better in the game. Practice is very important because it is necessary to work on your craft. You can’t hope to get better if you don’t practice. Lastly comes strength and conditioning. We are all college athletes. Coming out of high school we already possessed great athletic and physical abilities. As increasing ones strength and stamina is very important it doesn’t compare in importance towards the previous two. And reason being is you can be super strong or in shape and not be a good football player. But consistency in the film room and practice can separate any football player from an athlete who is strong or more conditioned.
What do you worry about, and why?
• I guess you can say I worry about size in a sense. Many scouts and recruiters label me as undersized and it just causes for a means to over look me. So in a way I am worried that scouts may overlook my talent because of an inch or two of height. However, this ”worry“ has turned into motivation over the last few years and I truly don’t care about being seen as “undersized” because I know I can ball and what I am capable of. Whatever team picks me up will not regret it.
Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?
• I once failed a quiz and then came back, retook it a couple days later and aced it. I wasn’t too shocked because I knew I didn’t study. I underprepared for it and took it lightly because i was doing good on past assignments and quizzes. I overcame this by putting in the work and sitting down to study. Nothing in this world comes free. You want something work at it period.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
• My teammates would say my best quality is my versatility and tenacious play style. I have a high motor. I am an every down backer who goes sideline to sideline, who can support in the run and the pass.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
• The best player I ever played against in college was Zimari Manning. WR from Tarelton State University. The guy was a freak. Incredible route running combined with crazy hands, and a nice vertical. Dude was amazing to watch.
What would your career be if you couldn’t play football?
• If I didn’t play football I’d want to be a sports analyst. This is currently what I want to do, but I would like to pursue that after my professional career.
Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?
• First I clean my room and make up my bed. It’s the first thing you should do every morning you wake up. Next my car, anything unnecessary in my car gets thrown out or put in its proper place. Can’t have a filthy car, never know who you may give a ride to. And finally the desk, I believe you should always keep your desk clean, but organization is key for maintaining a displayable desk.
If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?
• I believe you can’t put a value on a life. Obviously three lives in comparison to one, it’s simple to see where the difficulty is drawn. But I would choose my family member simply because it’s family. And I can’t put anyone before my family.
If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?
• I would be Chavez form Friday Night Lights(the movie). I loved his character and the passion he played with on the football field. He truly loved the game and that I admire.
Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?
• These have been multiple adversities you can say. As of late many of those close to me have been dying and I tend to struggle with those losses. I still try and overcome it to this day. It’s tough when the ones you care for pass on, but knowing they’re in a better place is what somewhat eases me.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
• One time in elementary school I tripped on a banana peel and everyone laughed at me. I thought it only happened on tv. But at the time it felt like my life was ruined.
What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?
• A strip I had against Angelo State. Angelo state was going in to score and I was the weak side linebacker. They they ran the ball away from me. The RB went on a little 10-15 yard scamper and I chased him down and ripped the ball from him as well as recovering the fumble. I feel like this play describes me best.
What song best describes your work ethic?
• “Last Breath”- by future
What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level?
•Intelligence as well as film study, and being able to properly apply that to the field. Everyone is an athlete at the next level so you’re going to need more than athletic or physical ability to rely on.
If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?
• 2pac because of what he did for music and the type of person he was.
If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it?
• Ro’s night club
Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?
• Either Raheem Mostert or Jimmy Garapollo
Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?
• Respected. In this life you can’t please everyone. It’s just how it goes. And respect is earned. I want to earn everything I get.
What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?
• Eddie Lacy because he would’ve had a great career he just couldn’t stop eating.
Do you love to win, or hate to lose?
• I hate losing. Absolutely hate it.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?
•In my life I’d have to say my mom and my sister has influenced me the most whether it been positive or negative. In regards of football. Dominick Barry has influenced me the most in that regard. Showing and breaking down the game to me and helping me become a better football player.
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