Amir Rasul
Running Back / Middle Tennessee State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Amir Rasul: I am 5’10 ¾, 210 pounds and my forty time is a 4.37.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Amir Rasul: Every day was a day to get better. I was on an agenda before I got back to MT. I went into work out hibernation. I went running two miles a day in the morning and do core workouts. I worked out with QB Rasean McKay from FAMU. He is my cousin. I did evening RB drills in addition running routes.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Amir Rasul: I was a state champion in Florida my freshman year in the 100m. Sophomore year, I qualified for the junior worlds. I started to run track when I was eight years old.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Amir Rasul: I played safety, OLB and RB.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Amir Rasul: My top five schools were Florida State, NC State, UNC, Notre Dame and USC.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Florida State?
Amir Rasul: The reason why I chose Florida State was because they had Jimbo Fisher and Dalvin Cook. They had a long line of Miami RB’s that prospered at the school. They were playing three or four RB’s at one time during the championship run. They had Freeman, Wilder, and Williams when they won the National Championship. It was a great fit for me. Kermit Whitfield was running track at FSU as well. My parents wanted me to run track in college, coach Fisher pushed that card that I can run track. They were a really good team. My dad is from Tallahassee, and my mom graduated from the school.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Amir Rasul: It was a learning experience. I am glad that I chose Florida State. It showed me the real world. I needed to get better in certain areas. God blessed me with another opportunity to show what I know now.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Middle Tennessee State for your final season?
Amir Rasul: The opportunity at MT was immense. I came from Florida State and I know what I could improve on. I have been putting the extra work. I knew that I would be the best form of me at a new place. MT had coach Stockstill. He really showed me that he wanted me to come here in the recruiting process. He told me that we need you and want you. In addition, he came to my aunt’s house in Tallahassee where I lived last semester. Coach Beckles went to Miami to talk to my parents on the same day as coach Stockstill talked to me. I saw what they had last year. They had the potential to be better, and I would be a good piece in the whole system.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from your team this upcoming season?
Amir Rasul: We are looking for a conference championship.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Amir Rasul: I have immaculate speed and vision needed to get to the holes. I have great awareness. I am always two steps ahead of everyone else after film study.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Amir Rasul: The areas I need to improve upon are my hands and my foot speed. I have been working on it during the offseason.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Amir Rasul: I got the chance to get on the field, and I scored against NIU. After scoring the TD, it was just confirmation that I could play college ball. It was the opening game during my junior year. Also the highlight for me is just the mental aspect of getting better. After my sophomore year, I saw the areas that I needed to improve on. I took a mental note. I also thank God for giving me this opportunity to be at Middle Tennessee.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Amir Rasul: You must always believe in yourself when no one else believes in you. Be confident in your game. When you touch the field, make sure that you have been ready for days and weeks. You put in the work before the season started and you shouldn’t feel nervous. You have been doing the reps in practice. Now it is your time to show all of your hard work on the field. Trust yourself and work on you.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Amir Rasul: It is the Ravens. I love Lamar Jackson and their RB’s.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Amir Rasul: Marshall Faulk was an all-time favorite player of mine. Tom Brady has the formula to win. I love David Montgomery and his game. Marlon Mack and Dalvin Cook. I learned under Dalvin.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Amir Rasul: Asher O’Hara and Chase Cunningham are the two QB’s that will battle it out. They can run and pass the ball. Chaton Mobley and Martell Pettaway are the two RB’s that will make an impact. Raheme Fuller is a big CB from Florida. DB Marcus LaFrance is a lengthy guy with ball skills. Marvae Myers-Glover is a quick twitch DB. He is a Taylor Rapp type of player. WR Jimmy Marshall is a tall guy and WR CJ Windham. WR Jarrin Pierce has great route running skills. WR DJ England-Chisolm is fast, can get open and get deep. WR Yusuf Ali is amazing with the ball in his hands.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Amir Rasul: Hands down, it was Lamar Jackson. Seeing him in person on the field. He was great. Our game showed why he was a Heisman trophy winner. He is a great athlete.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a RB?
Amir Rasul: Awareness and vision. Awareness is your ability to know how to get away from the defender. Vision is seeing the hole when it develops.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Amir Rasul: The camaraderie. Getting to know people and seeing where they come from. We are all from different walks of life.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Amir Rasul: My brain. A lot of people don’t have common sense. I know right from wrong. I am a very intellectual human being. I have an understanding for someone else.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Amir Rasul: I always go to the field and catch the ball. I am also working on my business plan after the season when I am in my room. I watch anime and read a lot. I read the Time magazine, insider magazines and Forbes.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Amir Rasul: I got my bachelor’s in interdisciplinary social studies and a minor in business. I am currently getting my master’s in liberal studies and a minor in political science. I want to run my own company. I want to develop computer programs to help the elderly where they can learn on their own.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Amir Rasul: Hungry, patient, God-fearing, joyous, and alpha male.
