NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Bradrick Shaw, RB, Northern Iowa

Bradrick Shaw is a very athletic north-south runner who recently transferred to Northern Iowa for his last year of eligibility. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Bradrick Shaw is a very athletic north-south runner who recently transferred to Northern Iowa for his last year of eligibility. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Bradrick Shaw
  • Height: 6’1”
  • Weight: 220 lbs.
  • Position: RB
  • College: University of Northern Iowa
  • Twitter: bradricks7
  • Instagram: bradrick_shaw

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?
I got my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and Communications at Wisconsin. I was then able to obtain a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. I transferred to Cal in 2020 taking Public Health courses. I’m now at UNI pursuing a Masters in Community Health.

While I was at Wisconsin, I participated in the Badgers Give Back program and volunteered for several community service projects. We often went to nursing homes, keeping the elderly company and playing board games with them. I’ve also been a part of special needs events where we serviced children with autism.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I would hope that my teammates would highlight my character, how I’m a good person at heart who’s a humble team player. I’m also a hard worker who keeps pushing and is never going to quit.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m an all-purpose back. Yet, my best trait would be that I can be a downhill runner who has the ability to get north and south. I love the physicality of the game and how I can run through people. I have the ability to run around the edges. My running style can be described as a one cut and go type of player.

As far as scheme goes, we played a pro-style offense in Wisconsin which I prefer. Although, I spent time at Cal where we opened things up with more of a spread offense. At UNI, they mix things up and can be very physical in the run game. I look forward to my opportunity to play with them this season.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I have to mention Chase Young. He was a very dominant college athlete who easily transitioned to the pro game. Nobody could really block him. He’s strong and his reach is amazing. He played against double, sometimes triple teams and still was able to make the play.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Jonathan Taylor has to be the most impressive teammate that I’ve ever had. He was on another level and the game seemed to slow down for him. His preparation showed, and he read plays very well. He let the game come to him and trusted in his ability to make plays.

Ryan Ramczyk was a freak of an athlete and one of the most athletic big men that I’ve ever seen. His athleticism and footwork set him apart. He was great as a run blocker and pass blocker. He tested off the charts and has turned into one of the more respected linemen in the league.

I also have to mention TJ Watt. He came to practice every day and pushed us to our limits. He practiced the same way he played games, and it really showed in how he was able to read plays and cause fumbles.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My injury has to be the biggest struggle that I’ve faced. 2017 was an excellent season for the Badgers. We went 12-0 in the regular season. That last game of the regular season against Minnesota was bittersweet as that’s when my injury occurred. We were running a stretch play in the 2nd quarter, and as I was running out of bounds, I tore my ACL. While I was falling down, I knew that something was wrong. I ended up getting surgery a few weeks later, and ultimately missed the 2018 season as I was rehabbing and getting healthier.

One of the things that really hurt was as I watched my teammates battle on the field, I couldn’t be out there and help them. It was a mental struggle as I progressed in my rehab. Life comes at you fast, and you have to know the correct way to respond to adversity. It was tough at first, but being injured helped remind me that there’s things in life outside of football. I learned not to take this game for granted and be thankful for every day. Being injured was a struggle. Yet, it helped turn me from being a boy to a man.

Once I was finally back healthy and playing in 2019, I felt that I had my best football ever. I was eager to play, able to run hard and be at full speed. I learned how to understand my body better and focus on different exercises that I previously didn’t do. I focused a lot on the smaller muscles in order to help my rehab process along.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would definitely be doing track & field. I participated all 4 years in high school. My personal best in the long jump was 23 ft and one inch, and I actually won state in the triple jump at 47 feet 2 inches. I only participated in the triple jump my last 2 years in high school. Although, I was more focused on gaining more muscle in the weight room as I was developing my football body. Had I remained a little slimmer, I likely would have participated in track & field collegiately.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of being a father to a 2-year-old daughter. I’m also proud that I’ve not only earned a Master’s degree, but I’m also working on my second one. I’m the first in my family to go that far in my education with that degree.

As far as football, I don’t know if the world has really seen me at my potential yet. In my early years as a college player, I sat behind one of the best RBs and an All-American in Jonathan Taylor. I’m looking forward to proving myself this season for UNI.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My first touchdown in 2019 was very special. We were playing against South Florida the first game of the season. I remember getting the ball in the red zone, and on my 2nd carry the play was an outside zone run. I completely revered the field and took it in for the score. That was my first score after coming back from injury, and I was able to show people that I still got it.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
One of my favorite RBs of all-time is Adrian Peterson. A player that I enjoy watching right now is Nick Chubb. He runs angry, and I try to take bits of his game and add it to mine. My favorite non-RB has to be the GOAT Tom Brady.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artists have to be Kodak Black and Rod Wave. I like to listen to “Versatile” by Kodak Black before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken wings is one of my favorites. Yet, the best has to be my mom’s oxtails.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
One of my favorite movies is “Never Back Down”. My favorite TV show is “Martin”. Two of my favorite actors are Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to fish. I’m also trying to learn how to play golf.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play for my faith and my family. God gave me the opportunity to do something that I love. My family has done so much for me. Every weekend, they’ll drive hours on end to watch me play. Lastly, my daughter gives me my purpose and the reason why I play. I want to make her happy and set her up for success in life, giving her all the resources that I can.

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