2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Brenden Flowers, DB, Grand View

• Name: Brenden Flowers
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Position: DB
• College: Grand View University
• Twitter: bflowX_
• Instagram: bflow10

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 major is in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Before COVID, I had the opportunity to visit halfway homes and detention centers as a part of my major

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I’m a very competitive person whether that’s on the field or in the weight room. I’m able to spread that sort of energy to the rest of my teammates and show some swag against my opponents.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My freshman season in 2017, I came in and took the role as the starter at the end of the season. I saw the field a lot in 2018 as our defensive coordinator at the time, Travis Johansen, moved me all over the field. I played the rover nickel as well as a safety hybrid. I continued that in 2019 as well as playing both field and boundary corner. I can obviously bring a lot of experience and versatility to any secondary.

I’m confident in my ability to play in man-to-man coverage. I’m able to use my technique and slow down receivers, taking away angles. I also adjust my position in accordance to each play, down and distance.

I’ve also been a gunner on special teams as well as the corner that blocks the gunner on punts. Additionally, I can be a very effective edge rusher on field goal blocks.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
One of the best players that I’ve played against was JD Woods from Baker University. We know they give him the ball a lot. So, we have to take time to break down his film.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I have to begin by talking about my brother, Dallis, who recently transferred to Pittsburg State. We competed with each other every day growing up. With both of us playing for Grand View, it was a great experience and healthy competition for who was going to make the play. He’s a very high competitor and my most influential teammate. He was able to obtain every single award and accolade that you can imagine, and I know he’ll do great things with the program he’s with now.

I also have to mention the receivers that I have to face regularly in practice, Anthony Turner and Brandon Martin. Having two 6’4 big physical receivers has helped me develop. Those two guys have helped keep me going.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
We were having an excellent season in 2019 and were undefeated going into the semi-finals of the playoffs. I was really working hard that season and expected a lot of success. The week before the game, all of the yearly accolades came out, and I remember not getting much recognition if at all. We ended up losing that game to Morningside who went on to win the National Title. It was pretty depressing, but I had to keep putting my best foot forward.

Dallis and Anthony were beginning to gain some buzz from the NFL. I was happy for them and all, but there were times when I was unmotivated. I thought I did all I could and players from other teams ended up with the recognition I thought I had earned. Once we were able to play again, this 2021 Spring season, I found my motivation again. I remember my DB coach telling us that there were professional scouts watching us play. From then on, I worked harder each day, sometimes twice a day in the weight room. When they began testing us at our junior pro day, I was able to reach a personal best of a 40.7 inch vertical as well as 4.48 seconds in the 40. I obtained Second Team All-American Status this past season, and I’m looking to make First Team this fall.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would probably play basketball or wrestling. My Dad was a 2-time State Champion in wrestling. I dabbled a little in wrestling in middle school. Wrestling was happening at the same time as basketball in high school. Being from Chicago, basketball is huge. I wasn’t very big at the time though. I was a late bloomer. So, obviously that’s why I ended up pursuing football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement is that I’ve been able to play this game of football for as long as I have and along the way get a scholarship and a free education.

Some of my other accolades in football also include being named 2-time First Team All-Conference as well as being Conference Champions for 3 years.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My junior year, we were playing against the College of Idaho. They had a QB who went on to be drafted in the CFL (Darius James Peterson). We were in the 2nd round of the playoffs in the 2nd quarter of the game. They were driving in the red zone. They had matched up a tall receiver against me and tried to throw him a fade. I snatched the ball for the pick. I remember pointing at the receiver after that turnover.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Being from the Chicago area, the Bears have been my favorite team. My favorite player to watch is Robert Spillane for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s a good friend of mine that I grew up with. We played for different high schools.

I obviously enjoyed watching Devin Hester play for the Bears. He was so exciting and electric, and always gave our team hope. A player that I like to model my game after is Minkah Fitzpatrick. He has the ability to do everything in the secondary and is an excellent playmaker.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I love listening to Gunna. One of his songs that I have to listen to before games is “Met Gala”.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I love getting Lemon Pepper Wings from Rico’s at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa. You get 50% off wings every Monday there from Grand View Students.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson are two of my favorite actors. Reservoir Dogs is a movie that I really like. The Chi is one of my favorite TV shows.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I enjoy German cars and traveling. I also like to spend time with my dog who’s a German Shepherd.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love the competitive spirit of football. I like being able to bet on myself and see the fruits of my own labor.

My family motivates me the most. My parents have kept me on my toes, pushing and keeping me going. They’ve molded me into the person that I am today. My brother, Dallis, also motivates me. We help push each other to be the best, and now both of us are seeing opportunities to further our careers.