2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Theyard, DB, Jackson State University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Ryan Theyard
- Jackson State University
- DB
- 6’2”
- 190lbs.
- Hometown: New Orleans, LA
- Twitter: @ryan_jorred
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
As a student-athlete, I would say my biggest motivation is my family because they have always supported me, and given up things in order that my brothers and I could have them. So I like working hard, being challenged, and making them proud when they see me out on the field playing.
What defines success for you?
Success for me is defined by meeting a high standard or goal set for yourself. Not only meeting it but also being able to uphold it to where people look at you for motivation or inspiration.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
My teammates would say I am a hardworking, but sociable guy. I am not much of a vocal leader unless I have to be, but I am more of a guy who leads by example. They would also say I am tough on myself because I like to have perfect practices, and if anyone catches one pass I feel like I had a bad day.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Some of my personal rules are never complaining and always take responsibility for my actions. I hate complaining because it is contagious. If you think positive about situations, it makes for more positive outcomes. Taking responsibility for your actions is part of growing up and becoming a man.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
My toughest competitor was Chad Williams (WR – Grambling State University). I was a freshman still getting used to the faster pace of college football games, going against a senior who was eventually drafted by the Arizona Cardinals.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
The best player in the NFL is Khalil Mack.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
My Madden team of choice is the Saints because they have a solid defense, and also it’s hard to stop Alvin Kamara with Mike Thomas.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
I don’t let those situations defeat me. I take what I can from the experience, learn from my mistakes, and apply it for whatever I do the next time. If something doesn’t go the way I want then maybe it was not in God’s plan for me to have, but if one door closes another one will always open.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
I honestly don’t try to model my game after anyone because you can never be somebody else, but I do watch and pick up little techniques to improve my game from Patrick Peterson, Brent Grimes, Chris Harris Jr, Darius Slay, Richard Sherman, and Jalen Ramsey.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
Knowing what I know now I would honestly go back and tell myself to enjoy every moment of High School and keep working as hard as you can because hard work does pay off.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
My go-to restaurant would have to be this hibachi place called Ichiban.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
My life book would probably be called “Blessed.” I’m blessed to still be playing football after high school, and many people do not get that opportunity.
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
I’m not a person who is shamed about what I like, but I do enjoy listening to Trippie Redd.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I would have to make dinner reservations with Ed Reed so I could be able to pick his brain for information and improve my game.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
Forty-years from now, I want to be remembered as one of the best cornerbacks to come through my University, and also for giving back. I want to be in a situation where I can help people achieve their goals, and also give back to the community.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
An NFL team should pick me because I’m willing to invest everything into my opportunity.
