2021 NFL Draft: Introducing BJ Emmons, FAU’s star running back

In December of 2018, I introduced our readers to a running back that was cutting his teeth at FAU by the name of Devin Singletary. Today, I’m telling you that you need to familiarize yourself with B.J. Emmons.

If your favorite NFL team is looking for a running back in the 2021 NFL draft, then Emmons should have your attention. Some of the biggest difference-makers at the next level at the running back position have been drafted in the later rounds, and Emmons is going to be a steal if he lasts that long.

Emmons recently spoke exclusively with MCM about the biggest challenges he’s encountered over the past few months, how he stayed ready for a return to the field, and how Adrian Peterson once put a smile on his face.

JM: How have you managed to stay in shape and keep up with your weight training throughout the pandemic?

BJE: It was an easy process for me. I never slouched or slacked off. You have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. When your number gets called, you have to be ready to roll. There are no excuses when it’s go time. I found a way to stay in the weight room. I was able to keep up with my good habits. I kept my conditioning right. We have great people on this staff. They didn’t let us fall behind.

JM: That’s great. Its been quite a journey for you, from Alabama to Hutchinson Community College and finally to FAU. How do you reflect on your journey up to this point?

BJE: It’s my story. That’s how I think about it. Nobody else has the same story. This has been my journey and it’s my story to write. I’m still writing it. We’ll see what the future holds. No two people share the same journey. Every decision I’ve made up to this point was on me. It’s part of life.

I’ve always wanted to play football. I’m just trying to become a professional football player. I try to put myself in the best position possible every day in order to make that happen. I’m chasing my goals. I’m attacking things academically as well. As long as I continue to do that, everything will be alright.

JM: That’s great. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on this unique journey of yours?

BJE: There’s no easy way out. If you want to achieve your dreams, you have to put the work in. There’s no easy path to the NFL. You have to attack it every single day. You’re gonna mess up once in a while, but you’ll always get an opportunity to correct your mistakes. You just have to learn from them. You have to be honest with yourself.

Nothing is given to you, but you will receive everything you work for. That’s the way I look at it. I’m not waiting for anybody to hand me something. I’m working hard for my opportunity. Heck, I don’t want anybody to hand me anything. I rather get it out the mud. I wanna be able to say that I worked for this.

JM: I love that. How would you describe your game at this point in time?

BJE: I really can’t describe it to you. I really can’t. I would tell everybody to cut the tape on and watch how I play the game.

JM: What’s your favorite part of playing the running back position?

BJE: We as running backs have a strong voice. I always know what I’m doing out there. I take great pride in being somebody that my teammates can rely on. When the ball is in my hands, I’m going to make good things happen. I love that. Having that role and having that chance, it’s something special. I’m a playmaker at the end of the day.

JM: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered over the last few months? Nothing is normal right now, and college football has felt the effects of that.

BJE: Having to self-quarantine and work out in smaller groups was certainly difficult in the beginning. Not being out there with my brothers, that was very difficult for all of us here at FAU. We had to follow the protocols. Every team and college in the country went through the same thing. I’m excited to get back to football.

It was a different circumstance. College football has never really gone through anything like this. It was a new experience for everyone. It was a challenging time for us all. Thankfully, better days have arrived. We’re playing football again.

JM: We’re all so thrilled about that. Are there any running backs that you particularly enjoy watching film on?

BJE: I can’t really say that I do. Adrian Peterson followed me on Instagram the other day, though (laughs). That was pretty cool. That definitely made my day. I’ve always liked him. Other than that, I can’t single anybody out.

JM: That’s amazing (laughs). I’ve appreciated your time today, BJ. What’s up next for BJ Emmons?

BJE: The next game, that’s what’s next for me. I’m always focused on our next opponent.