Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech running back Raheem Blackshear, who declared for the NFL Draft last month, is participating in the Hula Bowl, a college all-star game that takes place on Jan. 15 in Orlando, Florida at UCF's stadium.
Leading up to the prestigious event, the Hula Bowl has conducted interviews with players who will play in the game, including Blackshear, who racked up 1,587 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns in his career that spanned over two seasons with the Hokies.
View the article below, which is presented by Dakota Shy Wine.
What are you hoping to show scouts at the 2022 Hula Bowl?
"I am hoping to show the scouts my versatility on the field and my ability to play every position."
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
"The one cause I would donate to is world hunger by providing food and resources to all less-fortunate people."
What is one thing the world may not know about you special-talent wise?
"One thing the world may not know about me is that I enjoy cooking new things and I can break-dance."
What is the best advice you have ever received?
"The best advice I have ever received was from my father, who told me to always believe in God and never lose faith in Him. Also, that there is always a light at the end of a dark tunnel that keeps me pushing through."
What is your favorite song to listen to before kickoff?
"Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill."
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
"If I were an animal, I would be a lion, which is one of the most powerful animals in the jungle."
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, so what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
"The hardest moment in my life was when my brother was incarcerated. Losing my best friend at a young age was really hard for me."
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
"I would compare my play to Nyheim Hines (Indianapolis Colts running back). He is a versatile running back that can make a lot of plays in the backfield."
Did you have a favorite player or team in the NFL when you were growing up?
"My favorite player growing up was LT [NFL Hall of Famer and San Diego Chargers running back, LaDainian Tomlinson], with just watching him make people miss in the open field was exciting to watch. His explosiveness made me aspire to be a running back."
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
"One would be my great grandmother to thank her for everything she has done for my family while she was living, including the many sacrifices she made to create a living for my family. Another would be Pope Francis to just have a chance to pray with him and give God thanks for all of His blessings. Then the last one would be Walter Camp to ask him what made him create the game of football and what inspired him to develop the game."
For more information on the Hula Bowl, click here.