Name: Amir Franklin-Branch
School: West Virginia Wesleyan College
Position: DT/NT
Height: 6-2
Weight: 355
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My final college season my goal was to help improve the young Dlinemen I helped bring in and truthfully watch them blossom as football players and as men that was my goal to see the big leaps from year 1 to year 2 and some year 2 to year 3 I didn’t have any individual goal’s because I just wanted to win and watch those guys have success.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say that I’m willing to die for this sport that I love this sport with every bone in my body and that I come to work everyday prepared to work mentally and physically with a big smile on my face happy as hell I get to live out my dream everyday. And my loyalty once you show me any kind of loyalty I’m rocking with you forever and you never have to question is Amir going to ride because the answer will be yes right or wrong yes.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m studying film I’m watching the center very very close looking for any keys that can help make my game easier like when he settles for a snap which hand is his post hand and which is his stab hand, if he likes to toss and turn or does he like to drive and I look at how he communicates pre snap just to see if he’s the leader of their line because of the center isn’t your leader you probably don’t have a strong O Line.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from the rest of the Nose tackles in this class is my pure dominance and raw power I play the game the way it was intended to be played hard and nasty I look to legends like Vince wilfork and haloti ngata I have what they have that ability to just be a playmaker from the middle of the defense one of those players if you don’t plan hard I’ll wreck your entire run game and my ability to be a leader of men I’ve always had the natural ability to get people to rally behind me and as I’ve learned over my years as a college athlete that’s not normal everybody can’t lead men and some would rather just lead with actions I can lead with actions and words and my Football IQ I’m always studying the game whether it my games NFL games or other CFB games I’m always picking up something new always asking a probing question that can help further my understanding of the defensive side of the ball.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My off-season plan is to play in as many senior bowls as possible to get in front of the right eyes and when that’s over train with my team hard as I’ve ever trained hoping to increase my maximum speed and strength.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My strength and abilities is that I can play literally anything on the Defensive line and be the same player my impact on those around me is very influential I try to make everyone feel loved by me so we can have that connection so when it’s time for business I can push you to your limits without thinking it’s anything personal or I’m being mean or anything like that and off the field my personality can light up a room I can talk and make anybody of any demographic laugh and have fun with me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to every team out there is I’m the Dog you need in the middle of your defense I can be a vocal leader in the locker room when needed and the actions follow the words.