NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brett Kitrell, C, Ohio University

Brett Kitrell Ohio offensive lineman 2021 nfl draft
Brett Kitrell has been a solid leader for the Ohio University offensive Line. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Brett Kitrell
  • Height: 6’3”
  • Weight: 302 lbs
  • Position: Center
  • College: Ohio University
  • Twitter: @BRETTycrocker61

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I just recently graduated with a Marketing major and a Data Analytics minor. I was able to obtain a 3.8 GPA. I was also very active with a group called Athletes in Action at Ohio. I was president of that group for 3 years. It’s a faith based ministry that incorporates sports. I took part in organizing my events, and I’ve also led Bible Studies.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
One of my best attributes would be leadership. I’m just known for doing the right thing and going the extra mile when I have to. That comes with being a hard worker and leading by example.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m comfortable with my role as a leader. This year I was named team captain, and I’ve also been part of the Team Unity Counsel. Younger guys tend to look to me for advice and to see how things need to be done.

I’ve been a center for the last 2 years, and I’ve also played left guard. Center is actually my best position because I have a good grip on defensive schemes, and I can communicate well with my teammates on the field.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Two years ago, Cincinnati had a great defensive line with Cortez Broughton who’s on the Chargers depth chart, and Marquise Copeland who’s on the Rams practice squad. I’ve also played against Jaylen Twyman who’s expected to be a high draft pick out of Pittsburgh.

Here in the MAC, Sutton Smith of Northern Illinois is the player that gained my respect the most. He had a great twitch, was moved around a lot, and made great plays.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
One of my teammates that I looked up to was Joe Lowery. He played LT and had a brief stint with the Chicago Bears. Joe epitomized what I leader was and did everything the right way.

As a freshman, I also got a chance to see Quentin Poling, who was an excellent player and leader of our team.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I’ve had to battle through a couple injuries. Last year, I had torn some cartilage in my knee and that was a bit of a frustrating experience. I was having a great junior season and played on it for a while until I realized that I needed surgery. It was a little upsetting being on the sideline while my teammates were finishing out a good year winning a bowl game against Nevada. It took me 6 months of rehab to fully recover. Injuries can really dog you down, but I had a great supporting cast to get me through it. My teammates and the people from Athletes in Action really helped. I was able to come back in fall camp and win the starting job at center. I feel like I actually played at a higher level since before that injury. After prioritizing my training and being one of the hardest workers on the team, I was also voted team captain this season

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I was a pretty good thrower in track & field in high school. My dad was also a thrower in his day and he raised his boys to do the same. I was able to achieve silver medals in the state track meet and set some records at my high school. My personal bests include 57’6”-shot put and 179’1”-discus.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very happy that I was able to obtain a scholarship and graduate from a great institution. I’m most proud of being named team captain. It means a lot to have a group of guys look up to me. Especially in a year like this with so much uncertainty with this pandemic. I had the responsibility of getting together with my coaches and communicating with my teammates. Having that kind of trust with your teammates is great.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
We had a tight game playing up in Buffalo in 2019. We had gone into overtime and had to go down the field and get the touchdown and extra point to win the game. We were on the 5 yard line  and able to punch it in for the score. I think what was so special about it was that the offensive coordinator trusted the OL and RBs to finish out the game running the ball. After the kicker sealed the game, I remember that we picked him up and were so excited that we had won.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I grew up being a fan of the Chicago Bears and looking up to guys like Brian Urlacher. My favorite player in the league right now has to be Quinton Nelson. He just represents the offensive line very well. He has a high motor and is one of the best in the league. Some of the players that I model my game after are guys like Jason Kelce and Travis Frederick. Kelce may not be the biggest guy out there, but he is so quick, smart and does his job well. Our former OL Coach, Bart Miller, had coached Travis Frederick during his time at Wisconsin. So, I’ve seen a lot of film on guys like Frederick.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Casually, I’ll listen to music from guys like Luke Combs. Before games, I get pumped up to guys like AC/DC and Def Leppard.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of my favorite foods. I also enjoy going to Steak & Shake after a game and ordering a triple steak burger.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Remember the Titans. Mark Wahlberg is one of my favorite actors. He did a great job in the movie Invincible which is also a good movie. My favorite TV show is Stranger Things.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I enjoy disc golfing with a frisbee. I picked that up in high school and like finding new courses to play. During this offseason, one of my teammates introduced me to some yo-yo tricks which I’ve gotten good at.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My wife helps motivate me to be the best man I can be. My faith is also very important to me. It helps me remember that I’m here for a reason, and it motivates me every day. My dad also wants the best for me. He played at Nebraska back in the day and I strive to be like him.

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