2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Taoheed Karim, DB, East Central University

• Name: Taoheed Karim
• Position: DB
• College: East Central University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 185 lbs
• Twitter: @TaoheedKarim
• Instagram: @taoheedkarim

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

My oldest brother, Deji Karim. When I was little, around 4 years old, I remember him making great plays in high school. After that, I just wanted to be like him and play football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments that I’ve experienced in football comes from when I first started playing football. I was 8 years old and my mom and I were riding around Oklahoma City. I didn’t know where we were going until we had arrived at an open grass field where kids my age were playing football. After talking with my mom, the coach had told me that I could join the team and that was the first time I played football! That moment is unforgettable! In addition, my favorite moments that I experience in football are moments where I’m able to make plays! Nothing fires me up more than be able to make plays or help my teammates make plays!

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

I bring a great amount of high energy on the field! My passion for this game makes me so expressive! Whether it’s me or my dawgs making plays, it always a celebration!

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

Jalen Ramsey because I feel like my game is similar to his and his mindset is one of a kind most definitely!

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom for sure! That woman gave everything she had to make sure that her children didn’t need anything! Even when the odds were stacked against her, she did everything in her willpower to make ends meet and that’s what inspires me to keep going!

What are your favorite things about playing football for East Central?

The team chemistry and the passion for the game.

What should we know about Taoheed Karim the person?

What you should know about me is that I’m a hardworking, genuine person! I’m a guy that doesn’t complain, I just put on my hard hat and get to work. Whatever the goal is, there is no doubt that I’m going to put 110% of effort to complete the job!

What is your favorite coverage and why?

Man coverage because I am able to dominate my opponent using my technique and physicality. Essentially, taking them out of the game.

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

By controlling what I can control and taking it one step at a time.

What would a team get in a player like you?

On the field, they would get a player that has no issue with getting down and dirty in order to succeed! A complete juggernaut! A strong and physical DB that dominates his opponents on defense and special teams. In the locker room, a player who has great energy that is contagious to those around him.

What stands out the most about your film?

What’s stands out about me on film is that I’m always where the ball is. No matter where I am on the field, I’m going to get to the ball. I do not take plays off.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Bryce Brown. Man, he’s a DOG on and off the field! He did the extraordinary things! He worked everyday and every minute on his craft! It showed on the field too. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL towards the end of the season and was not able to participate at a pro day.