2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brad Cecil, C, South Florida

• Name: Brad Cecil
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 300 lbs.
• Position: Center
• College: University of South Florida
• Twitter: bradcecil74
• Instagram: bradcecil74

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 has been great. I try to stay involved in as much as I can. I am majoring in Business Management and plan on graduating this fall.

I was involved in the leadership council which helped me grow as a leader and mentor. I’ve also been part of the Student Athlete Advisory Team for 2, going on 3 years.I also started an internship in our weight room as a strength coach.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my energy and attitude. I’m always dialed in when it comes to the weightroom, practice, meetings and even the pregame meal. I can be a goofball, but I know how to tone it down and get to work.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m one of the team leaders for USF, and I take that seriously. I was named team captain in 2020. My job is to make calls at the line and make sure everyone is on the same page. I call out defenses and blitzes so that we can adjust accordingly.

I was recruited as a guard, and occasionally practice at guard, but I’ve been the starter at center for 3, going on 4 years. We play a mix of many different schemes whether it be zone or power. We play a lot of no huddle, up tempo plays which allow us to set the pace of the game. I feel like I can fit into any scheme in the NFL.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best overall player that I’ve played against has been Zaven Collins of Tulsa. He was a freak of an athlete at his size and you really needed to game plan against him in order to have any success. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Our left tackle, Donovan Jennings, really impresses me. He’s an animal and pushes me to be great. He’s about 6’5 330 lbs and is one of the most athletic players that I’ve seen. He has good hands and feet, and also recovers well.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I’ve been blessed in that I haven’t had a major incident where I had to deal with crazy adversity. Yet, what comes to mind is my sophomore year. I had like 5-6 different nagging injuries in 2019, and seemed to constantly be rehabbing and treating one thing after another.

That season really wasn’t that great in general. We went 4-8, and Coach Strong ended up getting fired along with all the coaching staff. That led into the 2020 season with a lot of unknowns. As we were switching up the coaching staff, the world is going through a pandemic. Losing a whole staff is tough. You’re losing a sense of familiarity and family. Everyone that recruited us was now gone and we had to find success with the new staff. We began getting to know the staff in virtual meetings until we were able to see the field. We didn’t have as many wins on the field this year as we would have liked, but I believe that having one more year of this coaching staff will lead to success.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I did a little bit of wrestling and qualified for state in powerlifting in high school. Yet, if I didn’t play football, I would likely have stuck with track & field. That was where I had the most success. I participated in the throwing events. Shot put was my best event. My personal best was 55 foot and 4.25 inches.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of being voted team captain. I take pride in earning the trust and respect of my teammates.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My true freshman season in 2018, we played against Illinois in the 3rd game of the season. There was about 2 minutes left in the game, and we were down 19-17 at the 50 yard line. On a 3rd and long, Blake Barnett threw a Hail Mary pass to Darnell Salomon. After a 2 point conversion, we ended up winning that game 25-19.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite team is the Jaguars. One of the players that I really like is Jason Kelce of the Eagles. He’s arguably the best at his position. He’s so technical and quick, and plays a lot heavier than he is.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I like country music like Morgan Wallen. Yet, when it comes game day, I listen to rap like NBA YoungBoy and his song “Showdown”.

What is your favorite comfort food?
There’s a restaurant called Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ in Jacksonville that’s one of my favorites. I like their pulled pork.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is The Family Guy. One of my favorite movies is Step Brothers with Will Ferrell.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I enjoy lifting and listening to music. I also like to play video games like FortNite, Rogue Company and Among Us.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I enjoy the sport. I love the physicality and the ability to hurt someone without going to jail. I like being an inspiration for my younger brothers who think it’s really cool to be able to watch me on TV. I’m intrinsically motivated although my family also motivates me. I want to make them proud and live up to the family name.