2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Phillip Fleshman, RB, University of Charleston (WV)

• Name: Phillip Fleshman
• Position: RB/KR
• College: University of Charleston (WV)
• Height: 5’8
• Weight: 190
• Twitter: @LegendaryPhil_
• Instagram: @PhilFromTheWay

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

I believe my mix of vision, speed, quickness, balance, and elusiveness are what make me a prospect for the draft. As well as my pass-catching ability as a tailback, which I believe makes me a versatile player.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Around 3-4 years old I was always in my childhood neighborhood (Burton Creek- Lynchburg, VA) playing football with the older kids. Always have loved and been a fan of the game since then. Once I was old enough to play It made me love it even more.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

That they would be getting a coachable player who is willing to help the team win in any way possible. My teammates have always considered me a great player, but personally, I’ve always been a team guy. Whether I’m in at RB or running down on Special teams, I’m doing whatever it is my team needs me to do in order for us to win.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to families who can’t afford proper healthcare. I feel like healthcare is very important and that a lot of families throughout the world avoid dealing with it because of how expensive it can be.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Patience is a virtue. That advice helps one to realize that no matter what it is you do, it takes time, hard work, and dedication – in order to achieve your end goal. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My mother was my childhood hero. Just seeing all the sacrifices she made to take care of me and my siblings always motivated me to be great in whatever it is I do. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Quinard Thomas – He’s a guy with a High IQ and can match up anywhere in your secondary. Physical DB that isn’t afraid to tackle and make plays on the ball. Great teammate as well.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I don’t really have a big pet peeve honestly.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Trying to really understand the death of one of my closest friends, someone I considered a brother. Josh passed away the night before one of my playoff games in high school. It was our Senior year. He was one of the football teams biggest fans. I had so many questions that were unanswerable because he was gone. He always told me how talented I was in a number of things and always saw my potential. I found peace and motivation knowing that he just wanted me to be successful.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The University of Charleston is a school that (in recent years) has been fixated on innovation and I believe that’s special. The reason the school is special to me is because of the relationships and connections I’ve built over the years. I’ve been able to make some lifelong friends and have teammates that I will forever consider my brothers.

What is your favorite snack food?

Buffalo Chicken Dip

What is the best part of football?

I would say the best part is the process. Weight training, skill development, film study, meetings, etc. All of those things provide a lot that people on the outside looking in fail to realize. The process is what makes teams great and challenges players and coaches to be the best version of themselves in a number of aspects. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

Here’s a resilient young man who won’t quit.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Aaron Jones. He uses a good mix of vision, patience, acceleration, speed, and quickness -to consistently make plays for Green Bay. He’s not afraid to run between the tackles, is a solid pass protector, and can break the game open with his pass-catching ability as well. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My Grandma, Shaquille O’Neal, and Barry Sanders. My Grandma because she passed when I was around 3-4 years old. I would love to get to know her more. Shaq because he’s business savvy and can teach me the ins and outs of owning/managing multiple businesses and managing money properly. Barry Sanders because I could gain so much knowledge about the art of being elusive, I’ve always heard the slight comparison from people in my hometown but would never compare myself to one of the greatest backs to ever play the game (out of respect).