2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brian Foley, OL, Holy Cross

• Name: Brian Foley
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 305 lbs
• Position: OL
• College: Holy Cross
• Twitter: @BrianFoley63

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

I go to Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. We play in the Patriot League. Football and school take the majority of my time, but that doesn’t stop me from playing Intramurals with my teammates. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I think they would say it is how dependable I am. I am always on time and ready to go to every practice and play. They know they can count on me to know my responsibilities and get the job done the right way. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Being a senior next year, I know I will have to take more of a leadership role. I would say I like to lead on the field with my play, but I definitely will have to be more vocal and take the younger guys under my wing. I have played Left Tackle the last 2 years, but I am more of a guard. I would say my best quality is my physicality as that is something I pride myself on especially in the run game.

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

Played some great defensive ends over the years- from Zach Allen at Boston College and Alton Robinson at Syracuse, but the toughest matchup is probably Malik Hamm from Lafayette. He has an array of moves and a good motor which makes him difficult to block.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jacob Dobbs is the most impressive kid on our team, he’s a freak in the weight room and a beast on the field.  He came in as a freshman and was able to fill the gap at the middle linebacker position from previous studs we had years prior. I’m really excited to see how much more dominant he’ll be in the upcoming seasons.  

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

My other favorite sport to play besides football is golf.  I like to think I’d be better at the game, if I didn’t play football.

What is something that you are most proud of?

The wins and the accolades are great and all, but being a student athlete at Holy Cross is definitely not easy. I would say I am most proud of the way I have handled my studies and seen my grades improve each year. 

What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I’ve been named first team all conference two times already. Being a Patriot League champ is definitely the best thing I’ve accomplished as a college athlete. My freshman year, that goal seemed unachievable, and I didn’t think it’d happen in my four years there. It was a great feeling last year, and I’m looking forward to hopefully doing it again next season.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

In the second game of this past season against New Hampshire, we ran and pulled off a successful trick play. This play had multiple reverses and passes. It took a while to develop but I ended lead blocking with about 50 yards of space. I never thought we’d ever run the play that season, and then we ran it successfully early on in the season.  

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is without a doubt Quenton Nelson. I grew up watching him at Notre Dame and have always been enamored by the way he plays. His tenacity and physicality is something I try and model my game after.

Who is your favorite music artist?

My favorite music artist at the moment is Mitchell Tenpenny, but I don’t listen to him or country music before any games.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

What gets you pumped before a game?

Coach Grautski, our strength and conditioning coach always brings the juice and motivation we all need on game days. He does something unique and different from other strength coaches each week while we are on the field, and all of the players love it and get hyped.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My mom has always been a really talented cook/baker, and I enjoy all of her food. My favorite meal of hers has to be her Chicken Parmesan with some type of pasta, I usually always leave with a clean plate.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

I really enjoy all the movies that are Marvel, I’ve seen all 23 of them in theatres.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to watch movies and TV, I play video games, and I like to play as much golf as I can in the summer.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family is who motivates me the most, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of my parents and my three siblings.  They’ve all been extremely involved in my life and have been proud football fans of mine ever since I started to play.