2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Owen Tyler, TE, University of Delaware
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Owen Tyler
- University of Delaware
- TE
- 6’4”
- 255 LBS.
- Hometown: West Hartford, CT
- Twitter: @owen21tyler
2019 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2019 CAA Football Second Team Offense.
- GP: 11
- Receptions: 12
- Receiving Yards: 143
- YPR: 11.92
- TDs: 2
First off, congratulations on the All-CAA Conference honors. What is the first emotion you felt when you found out that news and who is the first person you called to share it with?
I was extremely joyful when I found out. It was a huge goal of mine during my time at UD. The first person I called was my brother Nathan, who is usually the person I go to when something happens.
What have you taken away the most from the Coach Rocco, Coach Meyer and the rest of the Delaware coaching staff?
Coach Rocco has done a great job teaching me and my teammates the importance of preparation. He preaches constantly that preparation is never-ending whether its for practice or a game. This includes film study, practice reps, workouts, recovery, or any other area that will help me to perform at a high level. Coach Meyer did an awesome job this year helping me improve my receiving skills. He has a great receiver background and knowledge, and he really helped me take that part of my game to a higher level.
You are a Sport Management major. When football is over, what do you aspire to do with that degree in the professional world?
I hope to start with sport marketing sales.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of the past or present NFL TEs?
Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, Mike Ditka, and Jason Witten.
Your parents were both Collegiate athletes (Father Mike played football at Syracuse and Boston College; Mother Karen played soccer at Connecticut). Did they push you from a young age towards athletics or is it something that just came naturally to you?
I was playing football from the time I was able to walk. My parents never pressured me to play, but I still always wanted to. Sports and football specifically have always been the center of my life. My brothers and sister had a huge impact on my love for the sport as well.
What separates you from other players at the TE position?
What separates me is my ability to play any TE position at a high level. I’ve played a ton of on the ball “Y”, fullback, H-Back, or splitting out to the receiver spot. Having three different offensive coordinators in college allowed me to be utilized in so many different ways that I have played just about everywhere on the offensive side of the ball.
You’re the youngest of four children. I myself am an only child. What are the pros and cons of being the “baby” of the family?
I was blessed to have older family members who set a great example for me to follow. My oldest brother Nathan is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. He showed me what it means to outwork everyone around you. My other brother Lucas and sister Jess also set great examples of being a good athlete but also how to conduct myself in everyday life. There aren’t too many cons of being the youngest and my siblings will tell you that I always had it the easiest.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Troy Reeder, LB for UD and now the Rams. He went to battle in every practice and every game as if it was his last. On top of being tough as nails, he was a technician with great speed and power. Being able to go against him every day for a few years not only made me tougher but a much better player.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
There are bits and pieces of player’s games that I try to follow. Nick Boyle is an intense blocker who has mastered his technique and power. Jason Witten isn’t the fastest guy but uses his body well and finds a way to get open.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at Northwest Catholic High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
To never give up faith. Anything that I set my mind to I can achieve if I put everything I have into it.
Currently, who is the best player in the NFL?
Lamar Jackson. He is in a system that truly fits his style of play and is extremely fun to watch.
If I’m in Newark on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat?
Taverna on Main Street. Some of the best pasta dishes I have ever had.
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Owen Tyler will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
I can be given any role on the field and do it at a high level.
