2016 NFL Draft: Interview with Houston RB Kenneth Farrow

2016 NFL Draft: Interview with Houston Cougars running back Kenneth Farrow, one of the top backs in the AAC conference in 2016 and intriguing draft sleeper

Houston running back Kenneth Farrow might not be at the top of the 2016 NFL Draft in terms of running back prospects, but he has a chance to be an incredible value for some team.

Farrow is getting ready to be part of an NFL team this week, but he took some time out of his schedule to speak with NFL Mocks prior to the draft and all of the festivities to come.

As he prepares for the next level by working out, talking with different media outlets and speaking/meeting with NFL teams, Farrow says a large part of his motivation to be great comes from the way he was recruited out of high school.

“Just going in with a chip on my shoulder. Not being recruited by some of the bigger schools in Texas and realizing that you’re going to have to work for what you want to get. That’s the attitude I have now — you’ve got to work hard. I want to put in the extra time and be prepared. That’s the biggest thing — hard work. It’s going to get you where you need to be.”

Over the last two seasons, Farrow racked up 1,993 yards and 26 touchdowns with the Houston football program. This past season, after hiring former Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman as their new head coach, the Cougars shocked a lot of people by going 13-1 and winning the Peach Bowl over Florida State.

Farrow says that final game was his best memory as a member of the Cougars.

“Definitely the Peach Bowl. Being able to go out like that as a senior, that was huge for us. Especially having the seasons we did before that with the ups and downs. We beat a team that nobody thought we could beat, so that was awesome.”

Following the Peach Bowl came a quick bit of celebration and then the grind of getting ready for NFL scouts and coaches. Farrow put together a really nice pro day, running a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash with his 5-9, 219 pound frame. He also put up an impressive 23 reps on the bench press, as well as an eye-popping 38-inch vertical jump.

Oct 24, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Cougars running back Kenneth Farrow (35) runs for a touchdown against UCF Knights during the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Those numbers caught the eye of NFL scouts…

“I talked to quite a few teams right after my pro day. A lot of teams were telling me throughout the day that I was doing a good job and ‘keep it up’ and stuff like that. I felt like I did what I needed to do as far as helping myself with that process.”

Not only was he productive on the field for Houston in his college career, but he was a three-time team captain. How does a running back earn ‘captain’ status as a sophomore, junior, and senior?

“Just the work ethic. Coming in every day, being one of the first ones there and one of the last ones out. Going hard whatever it is — I try to attack everything I do, and try to do everything my best.”

In every aspect of life, we face adversity. I am always interested to know what shapes players as they move from high school to college to the pros, and Farrow says adjusting to different roles can be one of the hardest things you do as a player.

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“I think everything has a certain level of difficulty to it. One of the things that kind of got me the most was just being able to come in as a redshirt and taking that next step from high school — doing everything — to college and redshirting behind a guy who went in the third round (Charles Sims). Coming in as a rookie, I might be on all four special teams and not getting too many carries. That’s the biggest thing you have to do is know what your role is and take that role as serious as any.”

So what is an NFL team going to get in Kenneth Farrow? What skills does he bring to the table? We can see off the tape available that he’s a great North/South runner. He’s got the ability to play with low pad level, great strength, and explosion. He appears to be a great fit for a zone running scheme as a one-cut and go back. How would Farrow characterize his game?

“Definitely being a complete back. Being able to be there on third down. We line up in shotgun and you need pass protection, I can do that. Being able to get out on routes and go one-on-one with a linebacker. Most importantly being able to catch the ball. I had some opportunities there but not a lot, not as many as I think I could have contributed. A big part of my game, too, is knowing what the defense is doing through film watching. I really try and learn what the defense is trying to do so you have a good idea before you ever get out there (on the field).”

“I’m excited to be able to get in an offense that fits my style.”

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