NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Josiah Erickson, DE/LB, Sacramento State

Josiah Erickson Sacramento State
Josiah Erickson racked up 11.5 TFL in 2019 as one of the leaders on the Sacramento State defense. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Josiah Erickson
  • Height: 6’2”
  • Weight: 235 lbs
  • Position: DE/LB
  • College: Sacramento State University 
  • Twitter: @jmastere14
  • Instagram: joey_erickson44

What is your major/minor? Have you participated in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am a Communications Major. Planning on starting an MBA Grad program in the spring of 2021.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Having relentless effort. The ability to go hard past the point of no return, returning, and then doing it again.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
A leader by example. Day in and day out trying to set the tone for the young bulls. As for position I’m a hybrid end/backer with a nose for getting to the ball. Able to set the edge and rush as well as drop into coverage if needed. Also can be a difference maker on special teams by using my fast and physical play.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Josh Hokit from Fresno State. He was an All-American wrestler at Fresno, so as a running back he ran with great balance at a low center of gravity always trying to fall forward for extra yards.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Has to be the bro Marshel Martin(TE). Dude made his freshman year look like an 18 year old playing pop warner. He is fast, can jump out the gym, and is as strong as a bull.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Sophomore season came to an end early due to fracturing ankle week 5. Viewing from the outside in, I never knew what an injury could really do to somebody not only physically but mentally until I was put in the position. There were days where I told myself I’d never be the same again, days I wanted to throw in the towel. After hours of rehab, endless support, and consistent prayer, I was finally 100% healthy and was able to play the best season of my college career.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football I would probably be playing basketball. I’ve played basketball my whole life, from around 5 years old to junior year when I stopped to focus on football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being able to go to college, get an education, all while playing the game that I love. That second question is still in the works.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My freshman year, my second play of my college career when I went in on kick return. My job was to run across the field and go boomstick number three on the kickoff team. Long story short this is where I first made a name for myself on the team and made bro that I blocked reconsider his sport.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Seattle Seahawks. Kam Chancellor is a big influence on the way I play. He’s the definition of a dawg. He played with no fear, was relentless, and made everybody around him better.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Lil Baby. Compton Ass TG and DMB Gotti get me pumped up before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate Muffin & Milk.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite actor is Mark Wahlburg. My favorite movie is “Division III Football’s Finest”.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I have a passion for working out so that’s what I do with most of my spare time. Don’t have a lot of hobbies but I enjoy having conversations with people that challenge the way that I think, talk investments, and overall expand my knowledge.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My family motivates me. Everything I do, have done, and will do is for them. God blessed me with a great family that has supported me my whole life and now it’s time for me to support them.

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