2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Erik Hansen, DE, Upper Iowa University

• Name: Erik Hansen 
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 260
• Position: Defensive end/Edge 
• College: The Upper Iowa University 
• Twitter: @erikkk_hansen

What is the best restaurant in your hometown city?

• My mother’s kitchen 

When breaking down your film what will stick out?

• My pass rush will stick out on film, I had 12.5 sacks and many more QB pressures. The film would also show me staying disciplined with doing my job on the field and making smart plays. I also think my speed and my high motor will show. In addition, I think my physicality would stick out as well. 

If you won the lotto, what is the first thing you would do with the money?

• The first thing I would do with some of the money I won would be donated to charities that will help families that have been affected by COVID-19. 

What has been your biggest failure?

• Not making the playoffs with my team yet.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• They would say I am hardworking when nobody is watching and will give 110% effort all the time in everything I do. In addition, they would say that I would do anything for the team to help us win as much as possible. 

Who is the hardest working teammate on your team?

• Everyone on my team works extremely hard because of how much we all want to win. Our coaches installed a hardworking culture and do a great job of making sure we all get pushed to our limits. 

Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?

• “Big Red” and “Biceps” 

What is your degree in, if you do not make it as a football player, what is your dream job?

• Public Administration with a minor in communication, I want to work for the government as well as possibly coaching or even owning my own business. 

What is your coolest life moment?

• Beating the University of Minnesota Duluth 23-13. I had 3 sacks and 4 TFLs that game and it felt great to beat a ranked team at their home field. Nobody expected us to beat them, but my whole team played a great game, and it was awesome to see everyone come together. Secondly, getting All-American this year was also a cool moment since that has always been a personal goal of mine. 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night?

• Take me home, Country Roads by: John Denver 

If you could pick any actor to play you in a movie, who are you picking?

• Chris Hemsworth 

Who is your favorite football team?

• The Upper Iowa football team 

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

• ” Warning, all I talk about is football”

What is your biggest fear?

• Not becoming successful, this fear helps push me past my limits. When I feel like giving up I just think of how terrible the feeling of not being successful would be.

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?

• Yannick Ngakoue, he continues to get pressure on QBs as well as force fumbles. I think he doesn’t he enough praise for how good he is. Being 6’2 245lbs he shows that you don’t necessarily have to be extremely big to play D-end as well. 

Check out other NFL Draft Prospect Interviews on Draft Diamonds

Take us through game day, How do you prepare?

• I wake up, go eat a healthy breakfast with my team, go to team meetings, watch some more last-minute film, eat a small snack, get my ankles taped, listen to music, and then go the field and stretch.

Do you have any hobbies?

• I enjoy fishing, working out, and traveling 

If you had to compare yourself to someone in the NFL, who would that be?

• I try to emulate Khalil Mack’s game. I like the way he uses speed to power when he is pass rushing and how aggressive his playstyle is. He also has a high football IQ which is something I strive for. 

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

• My parents, coaches, and teammates. They continue to push me as well as motivate me to become the best I can possibly be. 

What motivates you to work hard?

• The love I have for football. The fear of not being able to play football anymore continues to make me work hard so that I will be able to play after college. Being from a smaller school I know I will have to work a lot harder than everyone else which I have embraced.