NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Tyler Burns, OL, Old Dominion University

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner.

What is your name?

Tyler James Burns

What is your Height/Weight?

6’5 375

What is your position?

Offensive Line

Where do you play college football?

Old Dominion University

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

During the spring we would host an annual Special Olympics Little Feet Meet at ODU in our stadium. Hundreds of kids from across Norfolk would show up to show off their athleticism.The kids had an absolute blast. Just being able to spend time with them was amazing. They showed me through their enthusiasm and determination that not matter what obstacles we face, we can overcome. It really affirms that the only disability is a bad attitude.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

My hardest class was Remote Sensing for Geography.

Where are you from?

Chino, CA

Who is your role model, and why?

My mother is my role model. She has always been there for me when it came to football and life. She always knew what to say to encourage me or set me straight.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

In high school I played basketball one summer for my high school and all 4 years I did track and field. I threw shot put and discus.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In high school I played some defensive tackle but mostly played offensive guard and tackle.

At your position, what separates you from others?

What separates me from others is my strength, once I lock on to a guy he is not going anywhere. I have great feet for the size that I am.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for any clues that gives away what the defender is doing. I’m looking for any kind of stance keys that may be different (i.e, he is spiking, or a twist is coming, or he is rushing up field). Basically anything that might give me a hint of what his weaknesses are so I can key in to the block.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest player I ever faced was Kyle Peko. He played at Oregon state, but I faced him everyday in practice when we went to JUCO together. He made me a much better player.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Brandon Scherff- We are both big men and very hard to get past. We don’t give up sacks. We play smart football. 

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was the passing of my mother in 2011 when I was senior in high school. She was not only my mom but my best friend. I could talk to her about anything and she always knew what to say. She was always there for me and never missed a game. She was my biggest fan. When she passed I had no idea what to do; I was so devastated. I just trusted God and he gave me the peace I needed. I know that she may not be living, but she is still watching me play every game with a front row seat from up above.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I usually just sit there and get ready, I do not listen to music before hand. I just try to get my mind right.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is definitely my physicality. I hone in on my target and I don’t let them through.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is being overly critical of past games. I seek perfection and breakdown the aspects of all my plays. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and run through my plays as I’ve studied and rehearsed. This mindset has propelled me into a much more skilled, thoughtful lineman.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

As a player if you want consistency and the pursuit of excellence in every play no matter the circumstances- I’m your guy. We have a brand to uphold and fans to make proud and I am here to continue that legacy.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

I didn’t have a favorite team. I just enjoyed watching the NFL.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My mom, who has passed. My grandpa, who has passed. My great grandma, who has passed

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

I would save up and by a house for me and my fiancée, soon to be wife.

Rapid Answers:

• Tupac or Biggie?
  
• NFL Network or ESPN?
  
• Coke or Pepsi?
  
• Pizza or Burgers?
  
• Dogs or Cats?