NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Blaise Taylor, DB, Arkansas State

What is your name?

Blaise Taylor

What is your Height/Weight?

5’7”

What is your position?

Defensive Back and Return Specialist

Where do you play college football?

Arkansas State University

Where are you from?

Waco, Texas

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is Lebron James. He is my role model because he speaks out on issues he is passionate about and tries to make a difference and change. He uses his platform in a positive way and makes good choices and decisions off the field. He is a great teammate, father, and husband. He also is known for a having a very high basketball IQ and being a smart player. He does an excellent job of giving back to his community and is very smart with his money and investments.

Who was your favorite teacher?

Mrs. Hannula, (Kindergarten) Mrs. Cyndi Robertson, (4^th Grade) Dr. Whalen, (9^th grade) Dr. Shane Hunt, (College Professor) and Dr. Mark Lewis (College Professor).

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played pretty much every sport at some point in my life but in High school I played football and baseball.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Kareem Hunt.

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

WR, Dijion Paschal

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

Bigger Than Me – Big Sean

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

Tyrann Matheui because I feel we have a similar skill set.

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 coming back from shoulder surgery after my freshman year in college. It was the first time I ever had surgery and could not participate in football activities.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

No, I just listen to music and mentally prepare for the game. I have a warmup routine for stretching and catching punts and things of that nature but no serious rituals. I also pray right before every game.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

My first career punt return for a touchdown my freshman year against Appalachian State.

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

The coolest thing I have ever done off the field is start and create my own non-profit organization “The Power of 1 or 2, Inc.” which has allowed me to help numerous people in a lot of different ways.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

The Dallas Cowboys.

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

I would like to have dinner with Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson, and Moses.