2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Drake Centers, OL, Texas Southern

• Name: Drake Centers
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 290 lbs.
• Position: OL
• College: Texas Southern University
• Twitter: Drrakec
• Instagram: Drrakec

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 recently graduated with a degree in Radio, Television and Film. I will be taking post bachelor’s classes this fall. I interned at Kipp East End High School where I shadowed the head coach.

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
I am committed to righting the ship. I lead by example in my regular routine, showing up on time and showing some of the younger players the right way of doing things.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I came into college as a tackle. I spent 2 and a half years playing guard. With our coaching changes, they have slid me out to tackle where I can utilize my athleticism. Last season, I started at RT, but midway through the season, I moved to LT. I’m also listed as the emergency center. We run a spread offense with a very dynamic QB which allows us to produce in the running game. We often run zone read plays.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
My freshman year, we played against Houston. Witnessing Ed Oliver’s quick get off the line made me realize how athletic the talent is at the D1 level. In our conference, Southern has a great pass rush that we have to prepare for.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Demontario Anderson is the best pass rusher that I face off against on a regular basis. His speed to power is really good, and he’s stronger than he looks. Demontario and Tarik Cooper do a great job as our defensive leaders. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I’ve persevered through a lot during my time at Texas Southern. I’ve seen losing football teams and how it does things to people. It can be frustrating, but there’s only so much that I can control. All I can do is go to work each and every day, winning my one-on-ones. I’m now on my 3rd OL coach in 4 years. We’re starting to turn things around with Coach Manny Ramirez. Him having experience at the next level and knowing what an NFL caliber player looks like really helps. I’ve been very resilient throughout the years, staying flexible and doing whatever the coaches have asked me to do. I considered transferring after last season, but I decided to stick things out. I feel like we have a very athletic QB that we can win some games with.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I played some basketball in high school and was also a thrower in track & field. If not for football, I would have stuck with track & field. Some of my personal bests in high school include a 51’6” shot put and a 169’ discus. I also threw for one year in college.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
I’d say my biggest achievement was getting my degree. That’s always been a dream of mine, and it’s a good feeling knowing that I completed it. In football, being named First Team All-SWAC has been my highest honor.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Back in 2019, we were playing against Alabama A&M. I got out on a screen. The first guy, I cleaned up and flattened him. Looking up to the next guy, he tried to match up against me and got folded under me. We were able to get the first down while I got 2 pancakes on the play.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete of all-time is Shaquille O’Neal being able to dominate at his position in the paint. My favorite football player is Khalil Mack. I enjoy how he is able to dominate. The guy that I model my game after is Trent Williams. He’s a mauler and one of the best at this position. It’s hard for guys to match his level of athleticism.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is NBA YoungBoy. Before games, I like to listen to “Kick Doe Click” by That Mexican OT.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken Wings and Shrimp Fried Rice from Blodgett Fish Market.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is Snowfall. Will Smith is my favorite actor. Anthony Mackie is an underrated favorite. We are Marshall is one of my favorite movies.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
When I’m not doing football related activities, I like to kick back, relax and play some video games like Madden and MLB.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Football is all I know. I’ve been playing all of my life since I was 4 years old. Football has a special place in my heart which is why I want to get into coaching when my playing days are over. My mom and twin sisters motivate me the most.