Hey all, I'm Harrif Ernston. I don't know how off the radar I am but I wanted to start off by telling all of you a bit about myself. I am one of the .... better traveled Linebackers coming to the NSFL. I've played at 3 different schools and played with a few different LB who are going into the draft (Sinjin Flimjollywop, Reginald Hampshireton, Kurt Hendrix). I'm a recent College Grad too, I majored in Mechanical Engineering. It was a bit difficult to do with Football but when I saw the MIT football players doing it I knew I could do the same.
I personally feel like a plague is coming to the NSFL and the only antidote is a Linebacker; a Coverage Linebacker. There aren't many of us, only three out of the 15 Linebacker Prospects actually. With the incoming influx of WRs, and Possession TEs every team need a LB who can cover. I can image a GM also wants that LB to not be a liability in the run game. People may shift their eyes to a "Balanced" LB; but something which is overlooked is the inferiority of Balanced LBs to Coverage LBs! Just look at the Linebacker Template! A Coverage LB starts out with 10 more agility and has a 10 higher Agility cap! You know what the SAM is going to need to cover the timing route thrown to a TE? Agility. What the WILL LB needs to cover that slot WR, and or blitz the QB? Agility. Now, some may fault us for not having great tackling skills. Yet, when you see that we are more intelligent, better catchers, faster out of college, and just more NSFL-ready out of college. A Coverage LB like myself will definetly help any team be competitive in the early seasons and have a great coverage guy in later seasons.
1. Do you think you could comfortably get to the QB if asked to do so, or do you feel as though you should only be left in coverage?
I honestly want to do it all. I don't want to be one-dimensional. I think that's the worst this of an LB, to only do one thing (Rey Malaluga).
2. Who do you think is the overall best defensive prospect coming into the NSFL, not including yourself of course.
That CB who balled out in the ALL-AMERICAN game. Forgot his name tho. He looks like Jalen Ramsey.
3. What attribute do you think puts you ahead of the few other coverage lb's?
Haven't looked at them too much but I'm hoping it'll be my hands and agility.
4. What was the cause behind your school transfers?
I wanted to do Mechanical Engineering! I wanted a good education, I felt that was really important. That's why I went to U Mich and when MIT called, I just couldn't say no. Still both transfers were hard.
5. Why mechanical engineering?
My second dream as a kid was to become an Astronautical Engineer. I felt that Mechanical was a better Undergrad degree because of the wide options. I could do a Grad later in Aerospace.
What was your favorite school to play for and why?
U Mich had an AMAZING crowd but I loved the team dynamic (and weather) at USC. Getting an MIT education was amazing though.
Do you think your unique skill set in terms of this draft is helping or hurting your stock?
I think it's being overlooked, or at least not talked about openly but I hope it'll help me.
Out of the three prospects you mentioned who was your favorite to play with?
Hate picking favorites but I loved playing with Reginald Hampshireton. Dude saved us countless times in Run Defense.
1. Most analyst thinks teams will draft offensive players in the first round. Do you think it's a good idea to not go with a talented defensive player?
I think there will be PLENTY of WR available later. If you don't have someone who has played since pee-wee, (or birth: Joshua Garden) then you should go O-line then a defensive player.
2. Are you a first rounder?
Not popular enough, but we'll see.
3. What's your daily training?
Running, lifting, cone drills, and catching.
4. Do you any other hobby?
Film-stu... oh you meant not football. Family time.
5. What formation you prefer to play?
4-3 is nice, and I love the challenge of man coverage.
Q: Harrif Ernston, man, what a name. Hariff the Sheriff, how's that nickname lookin?
That would mean I'm old! Still, Denver had a Sheriff who retired and playing for that team would be nice...
Q: Your play style reminds me a bit of one of my favorite young NFL linebackers, Jordan Hicks. You familiar with him?
Wow, afraid not...
Looks like I found myself a film GOLD MINE. Thank you!
Q: I think you have a bright future ahead... what 3 skills will you be prioritizing early on?
Agility, and probably tacking, but I am really eager to learn from a GM. I want to be the best LB I can be.
Q: Are you looking to go into a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme?
I'll play in either but 4-3 is more familiar. I do like the dynamic abilities of a 3-4 though.
Q: Can you cover slot WRs in Nickel coverage?
YES YES YES! That's what I am hoping to get chances at.
1. Do you see your role as one of the most over looked?
Yeah, I really have not seen people singing the praises for Linebackers. Also the fact that we only have 3 Coverage LBs baffles me.
2. Do you see yourself as a locker room leader?
Yeah, if I need to make calls on the field I am all for it. I want to go on a team, grow with them, and set good examples on and off the field.
3. Toughest guy you've came up against?
4. Best song to listen to pre game to get yourself hyped?
Offset-First Day Out
Meek Mill- Won't Stop
Luckky(ft) Snupe - Life Is A Movie
Fitz and the Tantrums - HandClap5.
Where do you see yourself a year from now?
Grinding it out, learning, and improving. Man, I am so excited!
Shaka:
1.Like the Jaylen Smith picbase, you a fan?
I knew he was a good coverage backer in the 2016 draft but I didn't really become a fan until I looked for a profile picture.
2.You picked coverage LB because it's a boss build right?
Boss build? I think Coverage Linebackers are awesome but I don't understand what "Boss Build" means.
3.Think it was kinda silly they released templates that aren't even? lol
I am actually a bit outraged by the "a little to high" tackling stats on Balanced LBs. Never the less coverage LBs start off more NFSL ready.
4.What if a team played you at nickel on 3rd down?
That was be an amazingly fun experience. I'd just step up and get it done; make sure that slot WR remembered me.
5.What if a team moves you to inside linebacker?
Then I do my duties as an inside LB, playing whatever zone coverage so interesting scheme the Def. Coord. dreams up.
Grapehead:
Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?
My Grandfather, a man who didn't come from much in Ghana but taught himself how to read and became a close member of Kwame Nkrumah political circle during his election run.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My Bachlors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. XD
Where do you think you will make the biggest impact?
Playing at WiLL or at SAM. WiLL does seem really exciting though, it's a truly dynamic position made for a dynamic player like myself.
Where do you see yourself in 5 seasons?
Proving that I can be one of the best through my hard work, constant learning and effort.
Would you prefer to play for one team your whole career, or will you want to chase a championship?
I'll take whatever team I am on to a championship, that is my goal.
Jbearly:
1.Why did you wear the number 9 in college?
That is how long it would take me to get a Doctorate in Astronautical Propulsion while doing the football thing, ... and never sleeping for those 9 years.
2.Are you able to continue your high level of play against the higher level or competition in the nsfl?
That is what I am going to need to prove to everyone. I believe I will get that done.
3.What's your favorite part of your game?
PRE-SNAP READS. You can tell so much from those moments but you can't get caught up in them.
4.Are you friends with anyone in the draft?
I played college ball with Sinjin Flimjollywop, Reginald Hampshireton, and Kurt Hendrix.
5.How key was college in your development as a player!
Very important, you can't just go from High School to the NSFL. College gives you coaches who do this thing for a living. It helps with your growth tremendously.
Jogn:
1.It's rare to see a guy who played DIII ball make the bigs. Do you think you have what it takes to make it in the NSFL?
I've played at USC and UMich. I left both schools by choice, not by inefficiency. I am very confident.
2.Why do you think you were passed up for the All American Bowl?
Haha, I'm a little grippy on that. It's probably because I was relatively unknown at the time. I'm hoping to change that in my first few NSFL snaps.
3.Do you have any resentment towards the LBs who were chosen?
Quote from Nanatsu no Taizai-Chapter 183: Escanor-Sin of Pride: "I have no reason to feel hatred towards those beneath me."
4.Strange to see a Bahamian in football - did you play another sport as a kid?
Soccer, Swimming and Track and Field; all to help with my Mild Asthma
5.Have you worked out or spoken with with the other Bahamians in pro football to learn about the transition and lifestyle?
You seem to misunderstand, I was born in the Bahamas in lived there for 3 years. Then I moved and lived my life out in the United States. Both of my parents are from Ghana. I am not a blood-Bahamian.
SimmerDownBruhh:
1.What is your favorite football division in the NFL, competition wise?
AFC North used to be it but now the AFC South (Ramsey and Hopkins) and the AFC West (Cooper and Peters) looks very interesting.
2.Any funny stories you had while in college?
There was this one time at UMich that the Def. Coordinator explain a play and only I understood what we were supposed to do so he asked me to come up and try explaining. You see the reason why I understood the play was because it reminded me of Thermodynamics (I had just taken the test for that class) so I try my best to explain that to the full time football dudes there. The thing is was... they got it! The play actually become the same play we dialed up to win the NCAA Championship in the last moments of the game.
3.Do you follow the NBA? If so, who do you have winning the NBA Finals series coming up?
I'd love to say LeBron but the chances of CLEVELAND winning a championship TWICE?! HA. It's the Warriors.
4.Favorite temperature? Hot or Cold?
Favorite Temp is 75 degrees F with a slight breeze. Cold.
5.What's your favorite animal?
Tiger
I personally feel like a plague is coming to the NSFL and the only antidote is a Linebacker; a Coverage Linebacker. There aren't many of us, only three out of the 15 Linebacker Prospects actually. With the incoming influx of WRs, and Possession TEs every team need a LB who can cover. I can image a GM also wants that LB to not be a liability in the run game. People may shift their eyes to a "Balanced" LB; but something which is overlooked is the inferiority of Balanced LBs to Coverage LBs! Just look at the Linebacker Template! A Coverage LB starts out with 10 more agility and has a 10 higher Agility cap! You know what the SAM is going to need to cover the timing route thrown to a TE? Agility. What the WILL LB needs to cover that slot WR, and or blitz the QB? Agility. Now, some may fault us for not having great tackling skills. Yet, when you see that we are more intelligent, better catchers, faster out of college, and just more NSFL-ready out of college. A Coverage LB like myself will definetly help any team be competitive in the early seasons and have a great coverage guy in later seasons.
1. Do you think you could comfortably get to the QB if asked to do so, or do you feel as though you should only be left in coverage?
I honestly want to do it all. I don't want to be one-dimensional. I think that's the worst this of an LB, to only do one thing (Rey Malaluga).
2. Who do you think is the overall best defensive prospect coming into the NSFL, not including yourself of course.
That CB who balled out in the ALL-AMERICAN game. Forgot his name tho. He looks like Jalen Ramsey.
3. What attribute do you think puts you ahead of the few other coverage lb's?
Haven't looked at them too much but I'm hoping it'll be my hands and agility.
4. What was the cause behind your school transfers?
I wanted to do Mechanical Engineering! I wanted a good education, I felt that was really important. That's why I went to U Mich and when MIT called, I just couldn't say no. Still both transfers were hard.
5. Why mechanical engineering?
My second dream as a kid was to become an Astronautical Engineer. I felt that Mechanical was a better Undergrad degree because of the wide options. I could do a Grad later in Aerospace.
What was your favorite school to play for and why?
U Mich had an AMAZING crowd but I loved the team dynamic (and weather) at USC. Getting an MIT education was amazing though.
Do you think your unique skill set in terms of this draft is helping or hurting your stock?
I think it's being overlooked, or at least not talked about openly but I hope it'll help me.
Out of the three prospects you mentioned who was your favorite to play with?
Hate picking favorites but I loved playing with Reginald Hampshireton. Dude saved us countless times in Run Defense.
1. Most analyst thinks teams will draft offensive players in the first round. Do you think it's a good idea to not go with a talented defensive player?
I think there will be PLENTY of WR available later. If you don't have someone who has played since pee-wee, (or birth: Joshua Garden) then you should go O-line then a defensive player.
2. Are you a first rounder?
Not popular enough, but we'll see.
3. What's your daily training?
Running, lifting, cone drills, and catching.
4. Do you any other hobby?
Film-stu... oh you meant not football. Family time.
5. What formation you prefer to play?
4-3 is nice, and I love the challenge of man coverage.
Q: Harrif Ernston, man, what a name. Hariff the Sheriff, how's that nickname lookin?
That would mean I'm old! Still, Denver had a Sheriff who retired and playing for that team would be nice...
Q: Your play style reminds me a bit of one of my favorite young NFL linebackers, Jordan Hicks. You familiar with him?
Wow, afraid not...
Looks like I found myself a film GOLD MINE. Thank you!
Q: I think you have a bright future ahead... what 3 skills will you be prioritizing early on?
Agility, and probably tacking, but I am really eager to learn from a GM. I want to be the best LB I can be.
Q: Are you looking to go into a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme?
I'll play in either but 4-3 is more familiar. I do like the dynamic abilities of a 3-4 though.
Q: Can you cover slot WRs in Nickel coverage?
YES YES YES! That's what I am hoping to get chances at.
1. Do you see your role as one of the most over looked?
Yeah, I really have not seen people singing the praises for Linebackers. Also the fact that we only have 3 Coverage LBs baffles me.
2. Do you see yourself as a locker room leader?
Yeah, if I need to make calls on the field I am all for it. I want to go on a team, grow with them, and set good examples on and off the field.
3. Toughest guy you've came up against?
4. Best song to listen to pre game to get yourself hyped?
Offset-First Day Out
Meek Mill- Won't Stop
Luckky(ft) Snupe - Life Is A Movie
Fitz and the Tantrums - HandClap5.
Where do you see yourself a year from now?
Grinding it out, learning, and improving. Man, I am so excited!
Shaka:
1.Like the Jaylen Smith picbase, you a fan?
I knew he was a good coverage backer in the 2016 draft but I didn't really become a fan until I looked for a profile picture.
2.You picked coverage LB because it's a boss build right?
Boss build? I think Coverage Linebackers are awesome but I don't understand what "Boss Build" means.
3.Think it was kinda silly they released templates that aren't even? lol
I am actually a bit outraged by the "a little to high" tackling stats on Balanced LBs. Never the less coverage LBs start off more NFSL ready.
4.What if a team played you at nickel on 3rd down?
That was be an amazingly fun experience. I'd just step up and get it done; make sure that slot WR remembered me.
5.What if a team moves you to inside linebacker?
Then I do my duties as an inside LB, playing whatever zone coverage so interesting scheme the Def. Coord. dreams up.
Grapehead:
Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?
My Grandfather, a man who didn't come from much in Ghana but taught himself how to read and became a close member of Kwame Nkrumah political circle during his election run.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My Bachlors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. XD
Where do you think you will make the biggest impact?
Playing at WiLL or at SAM. WiLL does seem really exciting though, it's a truly dynamic position made for a dynamic player like myself.
Where do you see yourself in 5 seasons?
Proving that I can be one of the best through my hard work, constant learning and effort.
Would you prefer to play for one team your whole career, or will you want to chase a championship?
I'll take whatever team I am on to a championship, that is my goal.
Jbearly:
1.Why did you wear the number 9 in college?
That is how long it would take me to get a Doctorate in Astronautical Propulsion while doing the football thing, ... and never sleeping for those 9 years.
2.Are you able to continue your high level of play against the higher level or competition in the nsfl?
That is what I am going to need to prove to everyone. I believe I will get that done.
3.What's your favorite part of your game?
PRE-SNAP READS. You can tell so much from those moments but you can't get caught up in them.
4.Are you friends with anyone in the draft?
I played college ball with Sinjin Flimjollywop, Reginald Hampshireton, and Kurt Hendrix.
5.How key was college in your development as a player!
Very important, you can't just go from High School to the NSFL. College gives you coaches who do this thing for a living. It helps with your growth tremendously.
Jogn:
1.It's rare to see a guy who played DIII ball make the bigs. Do you think you have what it takes to make it in the NSFL?
I've played at USC and UMich. I left both schools by choice, not by inefficiency. I am very confident.
2.Why do you think you were passed up for the All American Bowl?
Haha, I'm a little grippy on that. It's probably because I was relatively unknown at the time. I'm hoping to change that in my first few NSFL snaps.
3.Do you have any resentment towards the LBs who were chosen?
Quote from Nanatsu no Taizai-Chapter 183: Escanor-Sin of Pride: "I have no reason to feel hatred towards those beneath me."
4.Strange to see a Bahamian in football - did you play another sport as a kid?
Soccer, Swimming and Track and Field; all to help with my Mild Asthma
5.Have you worked out or spoken with with the other Bahamians in pro football to learn about the transition and lifestyle?
You seem to misunderstand, I was born in the Bahamas in lived there for 3 years. Then I moved and lived my life out in the United States. Both of my parents are from Ghana. I am not a blood-Bahamian.
SimmerDownBruhh:
1.What is your favorite football division in the NFL, competition wise?
AFC North used to be it but now the AFC South (Ramsey and Hopkins) and the AFC West (Cooper and Peters) looks very interesting.
2.Any funny stories you had while in college?
There was this one time at UMich that the Def. Coordinator explain a play and only I understood what we were supposed to do so he asked me to come up and try explaining. You see the reason why I understood the play was because it reminded me of Thermodynamics (I had just taken the test for that class) so I try my best to explain that to the full time football dudes there. The thing is was... they got it! The play actually become the same play we dialed up to win the NCAA Championship in the last moments of the game.
3.Do you follow the NBA? If so, who do you have winning the NBA Finals series coming up?
I'd love to say LeBron but the chances of CLEVELAND winning a championship TWICE?! HA. It's the Warriors.
4.Favorite temperature? Hot or Cold?
Favorite Temp is 75 degrees F with a slight breeze. Cold.
5.What's your favorite animal?
Tiger
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