2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Andrew Farmer II, DE, Lane College

• Name: Andrew Farmer II
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 260 lbs.
• Position: DE
• College: Lane College
• Instagram: farmer.ii

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’m a 5th year senior that just finished my 1st major in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I’m currently working on a major in Physical Education. In addition to being part of the Honor’s Society, I have also participated in community service clean-up projects with our team.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I’m the hardest worker on the team. I put in a lot of time watching film.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role is being the leader of the defense, rushing the passer and stopping the run in such a way to make teams not want to come to my side. I’ve played as a pass rusher in a 3-4 and 4-2-5 scheme. I was used as a 3, 4 or 4i which allowed me to use and develop my leverage. I’ve also been used in situations as a stand-up rusher. In our 4-2-5 scheme, with many DBs behind me, I can play with my ears pinned back going full speed, relying on the players behind me to make plays.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Mark Evans of Arkansas Pine Bluff is the best OL in the HBCU. He has strong hands, his stance is very consistent, and he doesn’t give anything away.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Anthony Evelyn always puts on a show. He’s the all-purpose guy that is used as a receiver and return specialist. We expect him to make plays and set the tone of the game.

Jeffrey Johnson is a hybrid safety that led the team in tackles last season. He does everything really well and is one of the leaders on our team.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My junior year in high school, I messed up my hamstring really bad and had to sit out a long time which really affected my recruiting. I was having D1 schools scouting me, and that went away. Then I started to get JUCO and D2 offers. Many of them were just too far away in locations that I didn’t want or they didn’t offer me a scholarship. I really wanted that scholarship so that my parents didn’t have to worry about tuition. One of the reasons why I committed to Lane College is that Jacoby Jones played there. I grew up watching him be a very successful receiver in the NFL despite going to a smaller school. I also had good chemistry with the coaching staff at Lane and knew that it was the best fit for me.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I’d probably play basketball. I’m fairly tall and have good bounce. I also enjoy playing pick-up games.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come from high school. Many people thought that I would have followed in my father’s footsteps and end up in the military, but I wanted to find my own path. My path started rough, but has developed into something really good.

As far as accomplishments, last year I was 3rd most in the HBCU in sacks (11.5), 4th most per game in division II (11.5 sacks in 10 games), and 3rd most TFLs per game in division II (19 TFL in 10 games). I was also named Second Team All-SIAC.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In our game last year versus Tuskegee, we were on their field for their homecoming. We ended up beating them, which was the first time in school history. One of the plays I had in that game was when we were going into halftime. They had the ball and were trying to gain momentum. I bull rushed my guy, pushing him into the QB, and shut down the play.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Tom Brady. I love his charisma and how he is able to stay calm, cool and collected. He is so clutch under pressure and will always have that chip on his shoulder about being a 6th round pick. I like using some of that mentality in my game.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Poppa is one of my favorite artists (he actually went to my high school). During pre-game, I like listening to “Skrilla” by Kodak.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Cook Out is a fast-food chain where I like getting a double burger and 2 ranch chicken wraps.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Favorite movie is Remember the Titans. Denzel Washington is my favorite actor.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
If I’m not watching film or working out, I like to play video games like Call of Duty or Madden.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I like football more than anything. I love the feeling and the sense of pride, laying it all on the line, pouring out my blood, sweat and tears. I also like putting on a show for my friends, family and the school.

My mom is my biggest motivation. She always has my back no matter what, and I want to put my best out there for her. I also want to make it big for my family so that hopefully one day I can financially help less fortunate people.