NFL DraftNFL NewsProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brawntae Wells, DL, University of Northern Iowa

Brawntae Wells Northern Iowa NFL Draft 2022
Brawntae Wells the solid pass rusher from the University of Northern Iowa recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds Justin Berendzen
  • Name: Brawntae Wells
  • Position: DL
  • College: University of Northern Iowa 
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 258 lbs 

1.What are your favorite things about playing football for Northern Iowa?

My favorite things about playing football for Northern Iowa are the people, the foundation, and the tradition of hard work. Each player and coach holds each other accountable for how we act on and off the field. I love how everything is earned and you have to work hard to gain trust by your actions. We have a great support system of coaches, community members, academic staff, and fans. I love UNI because we are a family. 

2.What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

What sets me apart from other defensive linemen is that I have great leadership qualities and I am very versatile in my playing abilities. I can do things like set the edge, rush the passer, drop back into coverage, and make plays such as scoring touchdowns. 

3.What role do you hope to have if you make it into the NFL?

The role I hope to make in the NFL is to fit in where I am needed. Do my role and do what’s asked of coaches at a very high level.  Do my job and what is asked of me with everything I got.

4.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player past or present it would be the Bosa brothers and Aaron Donald because I love the way they play the game and the example they set for people like me. Both brothers spend hours perfecting their game and that’s why I love to watch how they have changed the game of football on the defensive side. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player in the league. They all have perfected the art of pass rush.  

5.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

What made me decide I wanted to be a football player is something I fell in love with as a kid. Being able to use my length, speed, and god’s gift he blessed me with to do what I love. I love the team camaraderie and physical aspect of the game. Football was the only place as a kid, I could hit somebody without being punished. 

6.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

My mindset when I’m on the field is to dominate and be disruptive. I want to show great leadership through my actions and do whatever it takes to win. Because of my position, my mindset is to expose an opponent vs being exposed. Winning the line of scrimmage and defeating my opponent mentally and physically.

7.What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workouts are boxing, swimming, and yoga. Boxing is great for my hand-eye coordination, hips, quickness, and stamina. Swimming is great for endurance and it’s a low-impact full-body exercise that also helps with recovery. Yoga benefits your strength, flexibility, mobility, and range of motion as well as injury prevention. 

8.What do you love about the game of football?

I love that the game of football teaches you more than just the sport itself. Football has taught me a lot about life on how to work together, accountability, discipline, loyalty, trust, growth, and adversity. The game of football teaches you how to be coachable, adapt, work hard, and overcome challenging moments in life and on the field. 

9.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

The type of energy I bring onto the field is positive energy. The biggest thing I apply to every game is being a positive leader, and by being a captain, I have to bring great energy and body language every day. Knowing that I am bought into the game of football and my teammates, my energy is always at an elite level every time I step onto the field.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get in a player like me somebody who will give it their all by never taking a day or moment for granted. They will get a player that is hardworking, ability to adjust, and someone who loves football. I am a player who is very accountable, disciplined, and trustworthy. I will put others above myself and I will do whatever it takes for any team towards our goals and successes. 

11.How do you prepare for games?

I prepare for games by spending hours studying my opponent in film. I study the schemes, formation, studying the alignment, plays, as well as breaking down the offensive line. Preparing my mindset on the individual and team scout of the opponent every week. Taking what I learn and applying it to each day. Another way I prepare for a game by practicing what I’ve learned about my opponent in film study. This is also time for me to work on my craft and what I need to improve on each week. The final way I prepare for a game is by making sure I’m physically ready for the week leading into the game. I also prepare my body with extra rehab, hydration, diet, and sleep routine to help my performance. 

12.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my favorite moments from my football life are winning state championships in high school, earning a division one offer from Northern Iowa, scoring a pick-six in a collegiate game, making the playoffs, and working towards a national championship. Many of the memorable moments from football started from building relationships with the team and coaches and enjoying being the great football player that I am.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Check Also
Close
Back to top button