Husker Locker will be working with WhosNextFootball.com to bring you the latest news on Nebraska Cornhuskers that could find themselves selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Interview Conducted by @NFLDraftinsider and edited/written by @helloerinmarie
A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Brandon Kinnie arrived at Nebraska in 2008 as a sophomore from Fort Scott Community College. During Kinnie’s first season with the Huskers, the wide receiver had an impressive 15 catches for 141 yards. Kinnie’s stats only got better as a junior, adding another 44 receptions for 494 yards, with three touchdown catches alone against Oklahoma State.
Entering his senior season, Kinnie led the group of young wide-outs and to date has logged 22 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown. While his statistics are strong, it won’t be what Kinnie is remembered for at Nebraska. Fans, teammates, and coaches will remember a strong leader who fought hard through adversity to become a better player and person. In fact, fellow wide receiver Kenny Bell summed Kinnie up in a simple, yet poignant, way: “BK’s a thermostat. He’s not a thermometer.”
Brandon takes the time to catch up with Who’s Next Football:
WNF: If you had to pinpoint the strongest aspect of your game, what would it be?
BK: I would probably have to say my blocking skills and being physical on the field. I pride myself with being a great down field blocker. Catching the football comes with being a wide receiver and I feel I do that extremely well too. However, If I had to choose one biggest strength it would be my all around blocking skills.
WNF: What is one area of your game would you say most needs improvement?
BK: I think focusing better really. Make sure I look the ball into my hands with every catch, mentally preparing for the game, really focus on the mental aspect of the game and envisioning what I can do to be the best I can be.
WNF: What was the biggest difference between Big 12 and Big Ten play?
BK: To be honest, I didn't really notice a difference. I just love playing the game of football and it didn't matter who I was out there against.
WNF: If you had to pick one NFL player that you think you closely resemble, who would it be?
BK: I always liked how physical Terrell Owens played and how he used his size to his advantage. I would not resemble myself to his attitude and how he acted with his team but more how he played with a sense of physicality.
WNF: Tell us about your son Julian, and what he has taught you about life in general?
BK: First, he taught me to be humble. Taught me that everything is not about me. I got someone else to look after now and I love it. He has taught me so much about myself that I hadn't discovered before. It was truly a blessing to have him, best thing to ever happen to me.
WNF: If I was an NFL GM, why do I want Brandon Kinnie on my team?
BK: Well first, I am a great teammate, fun to be around, and my work ethic is crazy. I want to be the best at what I do and will do whatever I can to be just that.
WNF: What is the main thing you’ll miss about Nebraska football? (Submitted by@KyleAtkins91)
BK: I'll miss being around my teammates, joking around with them, and traveling with them. I learned so much about myself senior year. I will miss the fans and everyone that supported me as well.
WNF: How would you like to be remembered by the University of Nebraska?
BK: A leader, outgoing, funny, and overall good guy who gave everything he had.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Food: Fried Chicken
Pregame Music: Lil Wayne
Biggest Inspiration in Life: My mom and son. My mom could care less if I made it to the NFL, she is just so happy that I'm graduating from college. She has always been there for me and my son. My son is my other inspiration because I want to give him everything when he grows up. I want him to look up to me and want to be like me.
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