NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Bailey Pickering, LS, NW Missouri State

Bailey Pickering
Bailey Pickering is a Long Snapper at Northwest Missouri State who was recently named to the 2020 Special Teams U All-American Watch List. Bailey recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Bailey Pickering
  • Height: 6’2”
  • Weight: 220 lbs
  • Position: Long Snapper
  • College: Northwest Missouri State University
  • Twitter: @BRPick6
  • Instagram: Pick_6_97

What is your major/minor? Have you participated in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My major is Applied Health Science, basically an Exercise Science Major. I have not participated in any other activities around campus. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates have said that my best quality is my work ethic. They would say I am hard working and always put in the extra time and effort to get better each day. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I would say I am more of a leader by example. Just trying to stay positive and supportive of my teammates.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
One of the biggest struggles I overcame would be making it out of Junior College. I met a lot of great teammates and coaches, but they call it the JuCo struggle for a reason. The facilities and everything else is something not a lot of people could make it through. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would have wrestled. I started wrestling my freshman year of high school. You don’t realize the lessons you learn from wrestling until those hard times come around. 

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I played against a guy from Highlands Community College. His name is Keem Green. He plays for the University of Nebraska now. Obviously, I wasn’t going against him every play, but he never took a play off, that includes field goals. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
This team has so many good players it’s hard to choose. We have a few NFL type guys on our team. Tanner Owen is one of the hardest working guys on our offensive line. Sam Roberts is one of the best defensive lineman I’ve seen play, with his size and athleticism. Another NFL type guy is Imoni Donadelle, he’s one of the most explosive players I’ve seen play. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Luke Rhodes. The way he prepares and trains is next to none. He is the best long snapper in the NFL right now and will be for a long time. I definitely try to model my game after his. My long snapping coach is the best snapping coach out there. He’s helped me get to where I am today, and he also helped perfect Luke’s snap and been a huge asset to him. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of my resiliency. From starting at a JuCo to gaining a scholarship to the best D2 school in the country. I’m proud of where I came from and looking forward to the future.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of the most memorable plays of my collegiate career was when my kicker and good friend Parker Sampson kicked a game winner against Fort Hays State. That was one of the coolest things I’ve seen. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Zac Brown Band. And I don’t necessarily like to get pumped up for a game. With my position, it’s about being able to stay focused and execute your job to perfection. So, I try and listen to more chill laid back music before a game. The adrenaline from the game itself gets me pumped up enough. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
Pizza without a doubt. If I could eat pizza every day I would. 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie is called Only The Brave. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like to do pretty much anything outdoors and active. Working out and training is a huge part of my life, but I take time to go golf pretty frequently. 

Who or what motivates you the most?
My faith and my family. I know that I would not be able to make it where I am today without either of them. My family has helped me be able to keep playing football and has been in full support of my dreams. My faith helps me through the tough times and the good times. I also would not be here without the blessings that God has given me. 

If you can’t wait for football season to kick off you can check out BetQL for NBA action in the meantime 

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