2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ted Kubongo, RB, University of British Columbia

• Name: Ted Kubongo
• Position: RB
• College: University of British Columbia
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 212 lbs
• Twitter: @TeddyKubongo1
• Instagram: @tedkubongo

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

I decided I wanted to be a football player when I got into high school. I did not play football until 9th grade, then realized I loved the sport and wanted to go far with it when I finished 10th grade.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled across the continent for football. I have created many memories that will last a lifetime. I guess my favorite moment would be representing Canada twice and playing against guys like Chase Young, Trevon Diggs, D’Andre Swift, and more. It’s hard to name my favorite moment because there are so many. From high school championships to college, I am proud of the career I’ve had so far.

What should we know about Ted Kubongo the person?

Ted Kubongo is a guy that always has a smile on his face, loves to try new things, and is always there for the people he loves. I also pride myself on making sure I am a better man each day.

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

I love having fun. I like to emphasize how blessed we all are to play this wonderful game every chance I get. There aren’t many people who can still play this game today, so I just try to enjoy every moment of it.

What sets you apart from other running backs?

I believe my athleticism and knowledge of the game separates me from other backs in this class. I can run, receive, and pass-protect at a high level. Having experience on the defensive side of the ball is something I pride myself in as it helps me analyze defensive personnel and pick up blitz tendencies.

What do you love about the game of football?

There is nothing like playing under the lights, but what I love about football is the preparation. We are working every day from winter workouts to summer training camp for those 3-5 months of fall football, and I think that’s what makes football a beautiful game. Knowing that all that hard work will pay off someday, that’s what I love about this game.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

God. God is who keeps me going every single day. I believe prayer is powerful. 2021 was definitely a year to remember for me, there were lots of ups and lots of downs, and my mental health was at an extreme low at one point. However, with prayer and help from others, I learned that you can only control what you can manage and let God do the rest. I have also learned to enjoy the moment because you honestly never know. So, enjoy every moment every day, and everything will lay out.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

I believe that the key to success on the football field is being one. It is so easy in a sport like this to play for yourself, but if you have 80-100 players tied as one, playing for each other, no one can stop a team like that.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

I plan to do everything I can to show up at the combine and show teams around the league that I am a versatile running back that can be used in the run game, pass game, and special teams. Overall, I’m just taking it one day at a time, making sure I’m at least 1% better than the previous day.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team will get a player that is willing to do any assignment that will help the team win. I am a very coachable player, always looking to improve every day. I don’t believe in perfection, as we all have something to improve on, so I pride myself on being a workhorse. A team will also get a player that never quits, no matter the circumstance. I always find a way to fight through adversity and overcome it while being an energetic guy in the locker room.

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

It would probably be Kenny Moore. Even though we play different positions, he has inspired me because of his journey to be who he is today. I would love to talk to him and listen to him talk about his journey from a D2 school and undrafted, to one of the highest-paid DBs in the league. The adversity he had to go through, the mental strength it took, and ultimately getting to the league is something I would like to have a sit down with to talk about.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

As a football player, I would love to live my dream, and that is to become a professional football player. The fact that I came this far right now is something that I can only thank God for. I just want to continue being the best version of myself every day and focus on perfecting my craft each day.