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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Freeman, DE, Ouachita Baptist

Anthony Freeman the defensive lineman from Ouachita Baptist recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds
Anthony Freeman the defensive lineman from Ouachita Baptist recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds
  • Name: Anthony Freeman
  • Position: Defensive End
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 250 lbs
  • School: Ouachita Baptist University
  • Level: Division II – Great American Conference
  • Twitter: freethegoat_
  • Instagram: freethegoat_48

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: Kinesiology

I want to study physical therapy later on 

I have been in a program called “MORE” since my freshman year – it is a multicultural organization and I do different events around campus. We help get minorities involved. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I’m definitely a team player – my best characteristic is being humble. 

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

I am a leader on the defense being a fifth-year player. Usually I prefer to be in a run-oriented system but I can make a transition into the pass. 

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

Logan Wright, OL, Lindenwood 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Peyton Stafford – he started as a walk-on and has really worked his way up the ranks. Didn’t really start playing until his junior season. Last year he was an All-American and All-Conference player. 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

Definitely the endurance and longevity of my skills – it’s a combination of stamina and strength in my eyes. 

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

My aunt died a few weeks ago, I would always go visit her back at home. It was tough because it seemed like there wasn’t really time to think about it, I didn’t open up about it for a while. She was probably my biggest motivator. 

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

I really feel like I’m a basketball player at heart – that was my first love in the sporting world. I would want to be a shooting guard even though you might think I’m a big man at power forward. 

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

Getting All-Conference honors last year. In freshman year I had a really good guy ahead of me (Dameyun McDonald – 3x All-American), and sophomore year I started to really develop my game. Last year felt like the “breakout” campaign I had been waiting for. 

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

Against Southern Arkansas last season – on the first down I had a sack, Greg Junior had a TFL on second down, and on third down I got another sack to close out one of the game’s first drives. Finished the game with 2.5 sacks. 

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

Favorite athlete: Dwight Freeney

I model my game after mostly Nick Bosa and a bit of TJ Watt

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Music – I don’t really have a favorite song but I get locked in off of anything 

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

I play Madden or 2K a lot. Sometimes I’m outside playing the real game of basketball. 

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

It’s hard to put it into words – but really I just like to be physical and football allows me to do that. Every game is a new challenge and another chance to prove the doubters wrong. My motivation is really my entire family and especially my mom – she smiles every time I get on the field and she tries to come to every game. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m a hard worker and I want to turn up every day in the best way possible 

Other notes: 

Freshman year was my first time ever playing recreational football. I started the first year after someone got hurt and never looked back. I was more of a role-player for a while and really started to dominate junior year. Got the offer to Ouachita senior year. Once again at Ouachita junior year was where I really started to find my groove and get noticed. 

Evan Willsmore

18 y/o writer and scout - just trying to give players an opportunity and the recognition they deserve. Fan of all things football.

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