2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Corey Brown Jr., DT, Valdosta State
- Name: Corey Brown Jr.
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 325 lbs
- Position: DT
- College: Valdosta State University
- Twitter: @74Corey
- Instagram: c.b.__2
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 experience as a student was very rough when I was in high school by not having the best grades. Then I went to a Junior College called Arizona Western College and graduated with a 2.9 GPA and an associates degree. I am currently at Valdosta State University set to graduate next spring with a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies. Then, I will be pursuing a Master Degree in Coaching.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
The best quality that my teammates tell me I have is that I am always determined, meaning when there is a challenge involved that I don’t run from it. Instead, I attack it head on and get the job done. I am also a leader. I may not say a lot, but I lead by example everyday by doing the small things like showing up on time and going hard every workout, practice, and every walk thru.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
The role I see myself on the team is being the “Anchor” of the team, especially the defense. I take on the double teams and hold down my gap, not allowing anyone to run down the middle while keeping my linebackers clean. The scheme that best suits my skill set is an Attack-React type of defense which is normally run out of either a 4-2-5 or a 4-3 defense. The responsibilities of defensive linemen are to protect their gaps and not allow anyone to run through them and not allowing the offensive linemen to climb to the 2nd level.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I ever faced in college is Ted Hessing. He currently plays at Fort Hays University as an offensive lineman. We were college teammates at our Junior College, and everyday we got each other better by going every rep against one another while also giving each other advice on what to work on based on the look we gave each other. When we graduated we ended up playing against each other as he played for Fort Hays, and I played with Central Oklahoma. That was the best game I’ve played with the team because of the memory of going against an old friend even though we ended up losing the game.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
The teammate that impresses me the most is Ivory Durham. Going against him everyday in practice really pushes me everyday on how to stop him by studying film and his tendencies. He has a great football IQ and is savvy on the field by not only being able to throw the ball at all three phases but also by being able to affect the game with his legs. He has “full go” at being our starting quarterback this upcoming season and I believe we are in good hands with the season around the corner.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Before the 2019 football season, I suffered a foot injury that sat me down for most of training camp. Doctors were talking about season ending surgery and how I could come back for my senior season . I decided to not have the surgery and play the season with the injury. Through a lot of grit and determination, I fought through the pain and ended up playing the majority of the year. It had its ups and downs, but it was worth it because I was able to showcase my talents without anyone knowing that I wasn’t fully healthy. I remember those times now that I am healthy and go harder in workouts to thank God that I overcame the injury.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
The other sport I would play would be baseball because of how competitive nature shows on the diamond. The sport also has less risk of injury and also has opportunities to play overseas. I wanted to play when I was younger, but football took up a lot of my time. When I knew I could become really good at football, I stuck with it.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
The thing that I am most proud of is being elected to the Honor Society at my University. With me not being able to accept a D-1 football scholarship out of high school, it always haunted me. When I made the honor roll four times and was elected to join the Society, it brought me to tears because I felt that I finally overcame something that I always struggled with. My biggest achievement was being a top 25 player in my area in football. It showed the hard work and focus I had really paid off. I was not only being recognized by my peers but from colleges as well, being offered by numerous schools around the country.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The most memorable plays that I have in my collegiate career was from my freshman year in the National Championship game against East Mississippi. I had a TFL after being thrown in the game on a short drive and a big hit on the punting unit making the crowd go crazy which helped change the momentum of the game. In 2019 against Fort Hays, I made a big hit on the quarterback by working a good move on the offensive lineman that made the front page of the school newspaper and made top plays on a defensive linemen social media site.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite professional team is the Philadelphia Eagles, and my favorite athlete is Warren Sapp. The player that I model my game after is Fletcher Cox. He gets double teams and sometimes chipped at the line even though he is an interior linemen, and he is not only a run stopper but a good pass rush guru as well.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite is NBA Youngboy. What gets me pumped for a game is the crowd chanting and the music being played as we walk out of the tunnel.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My comfort food is spaghetti and mixed vegetables.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is The Blindside. All American is one of my favorite T.V. Shows. My favorite actor is Denzel Washington.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
What I like to do is exercise and motivate people. My secret talent is that I can sing and act
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it has been my passion since I was six years old. When everything around me seems like it’s going wrong, football gets me away from reality for a while and makes me feel like I am invincible. It has got me my Associates, allowed me to pursue my Bachelors, and one day my Masters without paying a single dime for it. It pushes me to overcome my past and makes me determined for my future to be as bright as I want it to be.
A lot motivates me to work hard. My mother, struggles, the death of my best friend, past failures, and most importantly the expectation I have for myself really motivates me. Knowing there is someone else working when I’m resting never sits right with me. It makes me work even harder. I always have a chip on my shoulder no matter what accolades I obtain over the years.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.