2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kurtis Huff, OL, Tennessee Tech
- Name: Kurtis Huff
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 300
- Position: OL
- College: Tennessee Tech
- Twitter: @kurt_1_2
- Instagram: @kurthuff__50
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 will graduate this upcoming spring with a Bachelor’s in Business Management. I also participate in an organization called C.O.D.E. which is the Center of Diversity Education. That’s basically, a student led group whose focus is on allowing students to openly talk about issues such as racism and how we can effectively deal with those issues in our community. I’ve also served as a volunteer for mentoring young kids at local schools.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I’m a leader. When things get hard, I don’t fold. I try and lead by example and help change the mentality of those around me.
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 the Alpha Dog. I’m the guy that puts in the work and want to line up against the # 1 Defensive Lineman. I’ll take the initiative and be the first to do everything. I’ll put in the work.
The position that suits me is interior lineman. I’ve had most of my starts at center. Although, I also have started at both guard positions and right tackle. I’ve played in a Pro-Style offense under Marcus Satterfield who is currently an assistant coach for the Carolina Panthers. I’m also comfortable in a spread scheme where I can use my athleticism and move well in the screen game.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Austin Pickett. He’s a defensive tackle for UT-Martin. He is low technique sound and knows how to use his leverage and get good inside hand movement.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
QB Bailey Fisher. He stepped immediately as a freshman, learned to trust those around him and quickly gained respect from his teammates. He’s a great leader who throws a great ball and can take flight on a long run.
RB David Gist is a dawg. He took the bulk of the reps by the end of the year in 2019. He’s really progressed, and I expect great things from him.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My freshman year, my mom committed suicide. That’s definitely been the biggest struggle for me. It’s real hard to lose the woman in your life that gave birth to you. Some people would have just quit and given up on life. I turned my focus on football and continued to grind. I figured that I gotta do it for my family and continue to progress until I get to the pros.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I have played basketball and football ever since I was about 5 or 6. I played in the AAU Circuit doing travel leagues and playing basketball in HS. I mainly played forward and center.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of not having to pay for school. Getting a scholarship was one of the best things that happened for me. It gave me the ability to take that burden off my family, play football and get an education.
My biggest achievement is being about to influence the younger generation around me. Kids look up to me and see how you can change your life for the better.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
We were playing Samford and on our way to score. We were down by 14 points in the 4th quarter. I came off the screen releasing left. I turned up field and saw a safety coming my way. I turned my head and lowered my shoulder and folded him in half. That’s definitely one of my most memorable plays. After that, I remember the WR got short of the goal line, but we were able to drive up the middle and score. That was the momentum changer that allowed us to come back and beat them in double overtime.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
We were playing Samford and on our way to score. We were down by 14 points in the 4th quarter. I came off the screen releasing left. I turned up field and saw a safety coming my way. I turned my head and lowered my shoulder and folded him in half. That’s definitely one of my most memorable plays. After that, I remember the WR got short of the goal line, but we were able to drive up the middle and score. That was the momentum changer that allowed us to come back and beat them in double overtime.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Cesar Ruiz who’s a center who was drafted in the first round of the 2020 Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He moves well and has great hands and feet. He’s my boy, I grew up with him. I pick up a few hints here and there to add to my game.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artists would be Meek Mill and Lil Baby. I listen to “Humble” by Lil Baby to get pumped before a game.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I gotta give a shout out to Harvinskins Seafood Market and Cafe in Camden, NJ. They have the best Salmon Cheese Steak.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”, and my favorite TV show is Snowfall. Denzel Washington is my favorite actor
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. Outside of that, I love working out and perfecting my craft. I try to keep my body in the best shape that I can. One of my secret talents is that I can rap.
Who or what motivates you the most?
What motivates me the most is just how I grew up, and I’m just working towards the goal to lift some of the burdens off my family. I’ve lost loved ones, and I play for them. I don’t fear anybody, and I’m ready to go full throttle in order to achieve my goal.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.