2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Francis Bemiy Jr, DE, Southern Utah

• Name: Francis Bemiy Jr
• Position: Defensive End
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 265 lbs
• School: Southern Utah University
• Level: Division I FCS – Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
• Twitter: jr_the_prospect
• Instagram: francisbemiyjr_91

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?

Major: originally Criminal Justice (now Family Services)

Minor: Sociology 

Extracurricular: Christian fellowship athlete 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Passionate and hard working are the main two categories. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I’m not much of a vocal guy – I’m quieter and lead by example. Usually I play defensive end in a four-eye, a bit of defensive tackle and three-tech as well. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah in practice (drafted by Bears this year)

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Christy Nkanu, offensive lineman and roommate

Aaron Romero, defensive lineman 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My size – I’m very tall with long arms but still as versatile as someone smaller. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

In high school – I moved to Riverside from Canada (Montreal) for school and I was on my own. I had to figure everything out for myself at such a young age. I lived with host families or at an “international house.” Often times I was feeding myself because the school didn’t give us meals. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Basketball – that was my first true love alongside soccer. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Simply getting this far – not a lot of people from Montreal get to play college football in the United States, especially at the Division I level. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Against Weber State – had a two-sack game in 2019 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite team: Seattle Seahawks

First team I followed: Montreal Alouettes (CFL)

Favorite players: Jadeveon Clowney and Maxx Crosby, defensive ends for the Browns and Raiders 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Just playing the game itself – it’s a unique feeling playing against another team especially. Always exciting and never gets old to me. Sometimes it feels good to not play against your own teammates in practice, as there’s more on the line when you go up against a true opponent. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I used to play a bit of basketball on the side – but I don’t do it as much because I don’t want to get hurt. I still watch a lot of sports on TV. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I fell in love with it at a young age and just kept playing. Both my mom and my dad keep inspiring me because they’re from third world countries. My dad is from Ghana and mom is from St. Lucia.

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

That I’m hard working and passionate – I don’t take any opportunity for granted and I want to make the most out of everything. 

Other notes: 

Started high school in Montreal – spent freshman and sophomore year there. Then I moved to California to go to prep school for my junior year. Better opportunity. I played a lot of running back but I wanted to be a linebacker. Senior year I got injured in the first game – didn’t derail the season but hurt my performance a lot. Had offers from New Mexico and UMass. Committed to UConn but I wasn’t eligible to attend, a lot of Canadians were going there (including Hergy Mayala – current Alouettes receiver that I looked up to). Thought about going to JUCO after not making a second commitment on signing day – Southern Utah came in and gave me an offer at the last minute.