NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Branden Hohenstein, TE, Abilene Christian

Branden Hohenstein
Branden Hohenstein is looking to become more active in the passing game this season at Abilene Christian after ending 2019 on a strong note. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Branden Hohenstein
  • Height: 6’4”
  • Weight: 241 lbs
  • Position: TE
  • College: Abilene Christian University
  • Twitter: @theebiddy

What is your major/minor? During your collegiate experience, have you participated in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am getting a double major in business marketing and business management. I am also a member of a chapter on campus called ACU Best Buddies. It is a program where we are paired with a mentally challenged person all year, and we just hang out, do fun stuff together and have holiday parties and stuff like that. It’s a really great experience.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a leader on the team. I was honored to be picked to be on the leadership council  by my coaches. As far as scheme, I think I can fit in with anything, I like to block and run routes and I feel I can do both pretty efficiently. With the offense I’m in now, I will be split out wide or in a wing or in a 3 point. That is something I really like about our offense is that at the Tight end spot I can be so versatile.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I have ever had to play against was Ladarius Hamilton last year at North Texas University. He was a tough dude to block.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Throughout your career, which one of your teammates has impressed you the most?
One of my teammates that has impressed me the most was my friend at the University of Nebraska, JD Spielman. He is a really good receiver, and I learned a lot about how to get open just by watching him play.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
A time in my life that I had to overcome a struggle was definitely when my mom got diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when I was in 5th grade until 7th grade. It was very overwhelming and hard to remain focused in school. Whenever I think I’ve had a rough week of practice and I’m real tired I just think back on what my mom had to go through and how what I’m going through ain’t tough compared to what she did. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I did not play football, I think I would have focused more on baseball. I played all sports growing up so that is a tough decision. Basketball was pretty fun too, but I think my second best athletic talent is definitely baseball. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest game statistically would have to be the one I had against Mississippi State to close last season. I picked up 115 yards on 4 catches in that game. I would have to say that I’m most proud of going from a preferred walk-on at Nebraska to being on a full-ride scholarship here at ACU.

I was also named Academic All Big Ten in 2017 and was named to the Honor Roll several times. My biggest achievement outside of football was being a member of the Miracle League of Sioux City and being a member of ACU Best Buddies.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable play is probably my first collegiate touchdown. It was about a 35 yard catch up the hash. It felt surreal, and I’ll always remember that for the rest of my life.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Now this one is easy. My favorite athlete of all time is LeBron James. I personally think he is the GOAT, but it’s up for debate. Someone in football that I like to model my game after is Travis Kelce.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Kid Cudi but to get me pumped for a game, I’m throwing on some Motley Crue.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food would have to be vanilla ice cream. 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie is either Hot Rod or the Harry Potter series.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I am hunting or fishing almost every day when I’m back home in Nebraska, but my favorite hobby in Texas is to take my Jeep on all the off-road trails. 

Who or what motivates you the most?
I think Adam Thielen motivates me the most. He made it to the league from a D2 school and he showed what hard work and dedication can get you. 

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