NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ty Harris, LB, Western Carolina University

Ty Harris Western Carolina
Ty Harris the hard-hitting linebacker from Western Carolina University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams
  • Name: Ty Harris
  • Height: 6’1”
  • Weight: 230 lbs
  • Position: LB
  • College: Western Carolina University
  • Twitter: @TyHarris2699

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

Western Carolina is a beautiful campus in the mountains, with a loyal fan base. All the professors/ academic advisors I’ve had have been nothing but helpful, and willing to help me work towards getting a degree in BS administration. My major is sports management

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My defensive teammates say my best quality on the field is my sense for the ball. I pride myself in watching film and understanding how an offense is trying to scheme us. Staying a step ahead of the offense and having a good sense of where the ball will end up.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a leader on my team, who leads by example on and off the field. I believe that hardwork and dedication gets you where you want to be in life. An overall hardworking, blue collar guy. Shout out to my highschool coach, Tommy Jones. Ray Lewis’ ability to run sideline to sideline making plays all over the field is what best describes my skill set

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I’ve played against in college would have to be the 10th overall pick in the 2020 draft Jedrick Willis. He was the most versatile OT I’ve played against. He was an all around technician with his hand, and it was obvious he had great knowledge of the game.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

One of my former teammates Keion Crossen of the Houston Texans, impresses and motivates me the most. When he was on the team he was a tremendous leader, with an amazing work ethic. I remember he was either always working on his craft, pulling me along through a lift, or in the film room watching film. This has always stuck with me throughout my 4 years at Western.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

During my junior year in highschool, unfortunately we lost 3 students within 2 weeks, during the season right before a rival game. It was something that affected us all, understanding death and trying to perceive what happened was difficult for all of us not just on the team, but for the community as a whole.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

If I didn’t play football, the sport I would probably play is basketball. In highschool, when I last played I was a forward. I played all the way up from elementary school to sophomore year in highschool.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Something I am most proud of would have to be my family. They always kept me grounded and kept my head on straight throughout the years when schoolwork became a little overbearing. My biggest achievement so far would have to be graduating highschool and being able to earn a division I scholarship to continue doing something I love.

Check out other interviews from Draft Prospects at Western Carolina

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Last year against Samford, it was a close game, and they were going for it on 4th down towards the end of the 2nd quarter. If they were to convert it would change the entire momentum of the game. When the ball snapped I was able to shoot through a gap and get the tackle for a loss, and a turnover on downs.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete would have to be Lebron James, and how he is able to literally lead anyone and get a group of men together to try to achieve one common goal. Two players I try to model my game after would have to be Luke Kuechly and his ability to find his way to the ball and Ray Lewis with his ability to make plays sideline to sideline. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

My favorite music artist is YFN Lucci. It wouldn’t be game day without listening to one of his hit songs ‘letter to Lucci’ at least once or twice. Other than that, my NBA Youngboy playlist usually gets me amped up and ready to go.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My favorite comfort food is without a doubt mac and cheese. My mom’s homemade mac and cheese is undefeated, no other comes close.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movie is Paid in Full. I’ve seen it at least a dozen times  

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

My hobbies are usually playing playstation with the bros, but a big one is listening to music. I consider myself a music connoisseur.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family motivates me the most, they’re my biggest fans. They’ve been there for me no matter what on and off the field. I’m the 3rd oldest out of my 4 siblings, the only boy. My mom and my sisters are my biggest cheerleaders along with my father, and my #1 barber Alex Daniel.

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