NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Earnest Brown IV, DE, Northwestern

Earnest Brown Northwestern
Earnest Brown is a very physical lengthy edge rusher for Northwestern’s defense. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

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?
My major is in Communications, and I have a minor in Sociology. I’d like to get into sports broadcasting once my football career is done.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Work Ethic. Last year wasn’t that great due to injury, but I put forth a lot of effort and that shows.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am the leader of the defensive line this year. When young guys are down, I can bring them up. I’m a 3 down player and can be used to defend the run or pass. I think I’m best suited in a 4-3 scheme as an edge rusher. I have occasionally lined up at OLB and dropped into coverage.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Thayer Munford is an offensive lineman from Ohio State that has my respect. He’s technically sound and uses his length very well.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Greg Newsome is one of the best corners in the country and he puts forth work every day. He’s the leader of our DB group.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Our 5th game of the 2019 season was against Ohio State. It was late in the first quarter when I came around for the sack. I had overextended and torn my left pec. After surgery, I was in a sling for 6 weeks, and rehab was a very long 6 month process. My family really supported me during that time. My Mom kept telling me that I was going to overcome this struggle, and that great things will come from it. She really helped motivate me to work hard and persevere.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Track. I played 3 years of basketball in high school as a center and power forward, but I really excelled as a thrower in track & field. I placed 2nd in the state in shot put and 3rd in the state in discus. My personal bests include a 61 foot shot put and a 177 foot discus.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of graduating from a very prestigious academic school in Northwestern. My biggest accomplishment as a football player was making honorable mention All-Big Ten this season despite having come back from injury.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In 2018 we were playing against Nebraska. We were tied 7-7 in the second quarter. One of my teammates, Trae Williams, had a strip sack. I was coming from the A gap and saw the fumble. I scooped it up and scored the touchdown. We eventually went on to win that game in overtime 34-31.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Chandler Jones is one of my favorite players. We have similar body types so I try to model myself after him. He uses his long arms very well.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I like to listen to R&B. So, people like Usher, Kem and Music Soul Child are who I listen to. Before a game, I like to listen to Gunna.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I like getting a Mushroom and Swiss Burger at Whataburger.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is one of my favorite TV shows. Will Smith is my favorite actor. Independence Day and Bad Boys are some of his movies that I really like.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to listen to R&B. My secret talent is that I’m pretty good at ping pong.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My Mom. She’s my best friend. She’s done everything for me. So, I want to give back to her at the end of the day.

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