• name: Grant Burkett
• position: Player
• college: Missouri State University
• Height: 1.83m
• Weight: 180 pounds
• X (Twitter): @geb31_
• Instagram: @geb3.1)

How did you decide to become a football player?

As a kid, I was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan and my dad pushed me to join. I interviewed for several positions and fell in love with the role of kicker/punter.

What are your favourite moments from your football life?

Playing against an SEC team in Arkansas last year, enjoying the atmosphere there, and then hitting a 74-yard punt at home against UCA.

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

My grandpa, because I was pretty young. He took me to the high school field to watch me play soccer and show me things he thought I could be better at.

What are you looking forward to in the coming season?

Here’s to the best season yet, moving to the FBS and winning a conference championship.

If you could spend a day with a current or former football player, who would it be and why?

I would most like to spend time with Pat McAfee.

What do you like most about playing football for Missouri State?

To see how we have evolved from when we joined as rookies to today, what legacy we have left behind and to be part of the change that makes us a better team.

What should we know about the person Grant Burkett?

When I’m on the field, I dress up in a Batman costume, but off the field, I’m a normal person. I like to cook, paint, and be outdoors.

What does your typical training program look like?

I usually go out and warm up and start with 30-50 yard drops, 10-15 single steps to make sure I hit the ball, work on direction finding and finish with short game and sky punts.

How do you deal with challenges in life and on the football field?

Whenever I’m down on the field or off it, I always remind myself that I will be a better person at the end of it and learn how to make something good out of bad times too.

What would a team demand from a player like you?

A consistent player, a player who works his ass off, who is willing to get better, and someone they can expect to be the best at his position and take on a leadership role.

What is most striking about your film?

The consistency. A guy who can consistently put the opposing offense in a bad position and who places the ball precisely and well.

Who is the most underrated player you have ever played with and why?

My long snapper, simply because it always hits the target and rarely misses.

Hula Bowl contributor and writer/scout/interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. Find me on X at @jrberendzen and on Instagram at justinberendzen