Beefin’ up the Line - Q&A with Omaha Beef DT Michael Gant
We chopped it up with the former Harding University Defensive Tackle and covered a lot of ground!
SpringFootballFrenzy loves to get to know professional football players from all levels. We recently had the chance to chat with Omaha Beef Defensive Linemen Michael Gant. The former Harding University player gave us some insight on his very first experiences with the sport, college life, tips on being a D-Linemen, and much more!
SFF: Take us down memory lane if you will. The first time you played or watched football, were you hooked?
MG: “I most definitely was! I remember watching my Cousin’s game and just thinking man I want to be out there! In St.Louis there was a weight limit on kids playing football so when they Let kids no matter the weight play, I was beyond ready to step on the field!”
SFF: Have you always been a Defensive Linemen? Any snaps at another position during your high school days in St. Louis?
MG: “I played Offensive Guard as well as Linebacker in emergency’s! I wish they let me play RB though haha”
SFF: Walk us through your experience at Harding University (or other colleges) both on and off the football field
MG: My time At Harding University was life changing! A small town and college that pours their all into you anyway they can! I came there just worried about succeeding in football and left to only get stronger in my faith and learn valuable lessons! Coaches there really push you to be the best athlete you can be on the field but most importantly they show you how to be a great man and focus on the things that truly matter! Shoutout to my HU coaches and my old teammates, Love y’all boys!”
SFF: After college, where did your football journey take you?
MG: “After college I had some pro days set up and got invited to a few bowl games but covid struck and kind of made me take a step back and re-evaluate everything! With everything being so uncertain and foggy, I had time to really determine how I wanted to approach my future and weather football was a possibility for me.”
SFF: Pro Level Sports Agency is your agency, and announced you’d be signing with the Omaha Beef. Can you describe what the folks at Pro Level have done in terms of helping you sign a contract with the CIF?
MG: “I definitely want to give a huge shoutout to Buddy and the Pro level sports agency team! They are truly there for the best Interest of the athletes! I signed with them and right away they started to work to get my name out to coaches and teams, to help me get seen and signed! Definitely thankful for those guys!”
SFF: Have you had a chance to get to know any of your teammates or coaches yet?
MG: “I haven’t gotten a chance yet! Definitely excited to meet the guys though! My coach is Marvin Jones, he’s a FSU legend and a NFL vet, so I think it’s pretty cool that I get to be personally coached by someone of his stature this upcoming season!”
SFF: As you look around the NFL or other professional football leagues, do you try to model your game after any player in particular?
MG: “My favorite Player is Aaron Donald but a guy I realistically try to watch and imitate is Grady Jarret! He’s a shorter Defensive Tackle that has good hands, quick twitch and great pass rushing ability from the 3 tech position! And I kind of see myself in that same light!”
SFF: As a Defensive Lineman, winning off the snap is everything. Give us a few examples of how to “win” on the line of scrimmage
MG: “I’ll give y’all some of my secrets. First off Is stance, you always want to have a good stance that you can sprint/explode out of, also you want to be as close as you can get to the ball, 3rd Is your pre snap read. If I have time, I always look at the backfield and see the formation. Like where is the Running back lined up, where’s the sniffer, can it be inside or outside zone or things like that! Lastly I look at my key and what he’s giving away! Is he heavy on his hands, or maybe he’s light and sitting back on his heels ready to pull or is he is in a 2 point stands ready to pass set! The the last thing to do is just play ball after that!”
SFF: Outside of football, any hobbies or interests that you partake in?
MG: “I love to cook, that’s really a passion of mine! All my friends say I’m a good cook, so maybe I need to open my own restaurant or something when I’m done with football! Other than that Basketball, Working out or Playing My Xbox!”
SFF: Last question here. What should Beef fans know about you ahead of this season?
MG: “I’m a hard working young man, just blessed to be playing the game of football! You guys are getting somebody who’s passionate, entertaining and a play maker all in one! I’m Ready to get down to Omaha and Help bring another championship to the city!”
We send our best wishes to Michael Gant as he navigates his way through the upcoming 2022 CIF season with the Omaha Beef. Be sure to following him on Twitter at (@MikeGant99) and Instragam at (mikegant99)!
Awesome interview. Michael has a strong support system and "we" will be present. I think that he will bea strong asset to the team and make great things happen with the team and for the city. Its time to let the big dawg eat!!! Goodluck on the upcoming season to you and the entire team nephew. Let's go Beef!!
Auntie Dee Dee.
Michael Gant is so inspiring and committed to his craft, he is and always have been an awesome young man and I can say that with certainty because I'm His Mother and His #1 Fan!!! I'm so excited for him and very proud of his accomplishments. I believe he will be a great asset to the Omaha Beef Team and a big part of making this city shine. I wish him and his new Beef team family the best of luck in the upcoming season! Come on Beefs, Lets Make It Do What It Do!!!
😘Mom