NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Spencer Brown, RB, UAB

Spencer Brown UAB RB 2021 NFL Draft
Spencer Brown was a very prolific RB rushing for over 4000 yards at UAB. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Spencer Brown
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 209
  • Position: RB
  • College: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Instagram: _spencerbrown4

Career Totals:
4011 rushing yards
41 rushing TDs
19-100 yard+ rushing games

Accolades:
2020 All-Conference USA Second Team
2019 All-Conference USA First Team
2018 All-Conference USA First Team
2017 All-Conference USA Second Team
2017 FWAA Freshman All-American
2017 Conference USA Offensive Freshman of the Year

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?
When I came into UAB, I was a Psychology major. I changed my major to Communication Studies my sophomore year.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my toughness and my work ethic. They would say I’m a good person and respectable dude.

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 an every down back that can also be utilized in a RB duo. I’ve been used in many schemes. I’ve run spread and power. Although, I like being used in outside zone plays. I’m used to being the singleback in formations. I don’t know how much more I would have run with a fullback in front of me. I was able to make a few good tackles on special teams as well.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Marshall’s LB, Tavante Beckett was one of the best guys that I faced. He was the Defensive Player of the Year for Conference USA. He just had a nose for the ball.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
We have a lot of talented players at UAB. Austin Watkins really impresses me with some of the catches he makes on the field. He’s a very reliable player. Jordan Smith is another awesome player who’s just a beast as an edge rusher. Jordan has a very high ceiling, and I can’t wait to see what he and Austin do in the pros.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
This past year with the pandemic brought many challenges. The whole world shut down and we had to figure out how to get back into a routine. We had to get used to wearing masks everywhere we go. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 right after Halloween. It was rough because I felt horrible. It felt like the flu, and I also lost my sense of smell. I must have lost about 10-15 lbs. I couldn’t go to practice or be around the team. I had to quarantine until I got better and was cleared to play. I ended up missing our game against Rice, but I was able to come back strong and put on a great performance in our conference championship game.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would do track or basketball. I love to hoop. I’ve been able to dunk a basketball since 10th grade. My vertical is up to about 41 inches right now. I did one year of track in high school my sophomore year. I did everything from the 100m, 4x100m, discus and long jump. I wanted to try different sports to see if I had other passions. I think it’s good to try new thighs. After doing other sports, I realized that I didn’t love them as much as I do football, and I figured that I’d focus my time and energy on that instead.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
UAB didn’t play college football for 2 years, and I was part of the class of players that helped them turn around their program and make it into the powerhouse that it is today. I’m most proud of being a starter since my true freshman season and going over the 4000 career rushing mark. My biggest achievement is being a 2-time MVP of the Conference USA Championship Game.

Describe some of the most memorable moments of your collegiate career.
I’ve had a ton of great moments in my career. As a freshman, I was named the Offensive Freshman of the Year for Conference USA. My best game that year was against Southern Miss rushing for 209 yards. That was a great victory because they were another team that recruited me but didn’t give me any offers.

There were some great moments this year as well. I had a 73 yard run against UTSA which was the longest of my career. I also had a great play against La Tech where I ran over the safety flattening him on the play. Yet, the crowning achievement was getting to the title game against Marshall, winning the championship and being named MVP of that game.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athletes include players like Lebron, K.B. and Zion. Todd Gurley in his prime was a player that I wanted to be like. Just a big dude with a great game day attitude when running the ball. I’ve also enjoyed watching A.P. and Frank Gore establish themselves as some of the greatest to ever play the game.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Some of my favorite artists include guys like Kodak Black, Gucci and Future.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Tacos. There’s a spot in Fultondale, Alabama called Casa Fiesta that’s really good.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite actor has to be Samuel L Jackson. One of the movies that I really like is “Soul Man” with Bernie Mac.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love dogs. I also enjoy hiking and playing basketball when I can.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because I love the game. My biggest motivator is me. I push myself to be the best that I can in order to make it to the NFL.

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