NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ryan Powers, DB, East Tennessee State University

NFL Draft Diamonds website has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 350 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 to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name?

Ryan Powers

What is your Height/Weight? 

5’11” 196

What is your position? 

Free Safety

Where do you play college football?

1 year at East Tennessee State University, 3 years at Stetson University

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

I had a lot of great experiences. I love working with kids at football camps and Reading books to kids at elementary schools 

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

Corporate finance 

Where are you from? 

Jupiter, FL

Who is your role model, and why? 

My Dad, he’s always been my biggest supporter and has always provided me with everything I needed to be successful

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Growing up I did everything from BMX biking, baseball, basketball, wrestling and golf. I really liked ice hockey but had to stop playing because the rink by our house closed.  I was also an all American goalie in lacrosse in high school

Did you play any other positions in football? 

Growing up I played every position except quarterback and kicker. At Stetson I was the back up long snapper and holder. 

At your position, what separates you from others? 

My physicality and knowledge of the game. I  think I’m very good at reading offenses and a really good tackler. Because I’ve played linebacker, cornerback and safety I can cover and play the run

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

Tendencies based on formations, packages, down and distance, personnel, and hash. Anything to hint away run/pass and give me an easier read. 

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

Kelvin Taylor, played against him numerous times. He’s a great player

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

Eric Weddle, similar in stature and because of his high football IQ, instincts, and physicality 

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

Just no music

What is your biggest strength? 

My physicality and game speed

What is your biggest weakness? 

Being patient 

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

I will outwork my competition and over prepare in every aspect of the game. I just need a shot to prove that I can play at a high level and I can compete with anybody out there.

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

Ray Lewis, Giants

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

Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis

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

A car