Brain Mack is a class of 2022 defensive end and tight end for McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mack is 6’3” and 211 lbs. Brian is a finesse-oriented edge rusher who has the kind of speed and smarts that translates to the next level. Mack is a leader for McKinley’s football team and a leader in the classroom holding a solid 3.3 GPA.
How long have you been playing football?
B: I’ve been playing since second grade. I first got into it because in elementary school we used to play at recess.
Which position do you prefer, DE or TE?
B: I prefer to play defensive end. I feel like it is easier to come off the ball and attack. Also i enjoy hitting people so the defensive side of the field is where I feel more comfortable.
What did your off-season training regiment look like?
B: A normal day for me would be waking up for workouts at eight, get back around eleven and cool down. After that, I would just do some push ups and workout whatever way that I can around the house.
Do you have any goals for the upcoming season?
B: As for a personal goal, I want to be All-District in defense. But for our team, I want a championship, I’ve never earned one and I think that would be an amazing feeling.
What kind of defensive end would you describe yourself as? Is your game more power driven or finesse driven?
B: I think my game is more about finesse. I try to focus on keeping my containment and not letting anyone beat me outside.
What is your favorite part about playing defensive end?
B: Being a leader in the trenches. I have to make sure everyone knows their gap responsibility and keep everyone motivated to constantly be pushing and fighting at the line of scrimmage.
How would your teammates describe you?
B: They would probably describe me as cool and motivational. I like to believe they would say I am a good leader, I’m always trying my best to keep everyone together and on the same page.
What is a part of your game that you feel will translate to the next level?
B: I would say my attitude. As a captain, the way you handle the team plays a big part in the team’s successes and failures. If you don’t try and keep everyone together you’re not going to go very far.
What is a part of your game that you feel like you need to get better at?
B: Mostly just being disciplined on the outside. I tend to have a bad habit of trying to beat people on the inside instead of just holding my ground and keeping my containment. It’s something I’m working to get better at.
Do you have any role models who have inspired you? It can be football related or just life?
B: A football player who inspires me is JJ Watt because of his attitude and drive. I love watching him play because he always looks like he plays angry and that is how I play. Just from an everyday aspect, Coach Reed is a guy who inspires me. His attitude is always positive no matter what is going on. He always keeps his head high and he is just a great person to be around. I have learned a lot about being a leader by just watching him interact with people.
What are you thinking pre-snap?
B: I try and think about something that will make me really angry so that I can take out my anger on the opponent. Other than that, I am thinking just to stay disciplined and make sure I am watching the ball.
What is something that recruiters should know about you?
B: I’m cool and calm off the field, but once I get on the field I mean business. When I’m on the field I like to get things done, I want to win at all costs.
What is a time you went through significant adversity and how did you get through it?
B: There were games such as Liberty and Southern, where looking back I thought I could have been better and I thought the team could have been better, which really eats me up inside. I felt like I wasn’t being a good enough captain and leader for my team. But after talking to Coach Reed about it, he calmed me down and helped me realize that there are certain things that are out of my control. He told me if I just keep fighting there will be good things ahead.
Why do you play football?
B: I feel like it has built good habits for me in life. It has helped me keep my gpa up, helped me be a leader in the classroom, stay disciplined, and most importantly helped me stay out of trouble.
Do you think football has affected you as a person?
B: Definitely, it keeps me out of trouble for one. It has helped me stay positive in general and gives me something to look forward to every day. Any moment could be my last on the field, so it has taught me to take advantage of the time I have, play as hard as I can, and enjoy it.
Has football taught you any valuable lessons?
B: Take care of your body, take care of yourself, and take care of the people around you. Those are just three things that football has taught me. Football has also helped me expand my relationships with the people around me.
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