2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tanner Owen, OT, NW Missouri State

• Name: Tanner Owen
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 295 lbs
• Position: OT
• College: Northwest Missouri State University
• Twitter: @Tanner_Owen75

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
NWMSU is tucked away in a small town in Missouri. Although we are in a small town, we are known all around the mid-west for our top notch athletic programs. 

How did you end up at Northwest Missouri State?
After two years at the University of Missouri, I transferred to Northwest. One of my high school teammates signed here right out of high school convinced me to give it a shot here, and I have never looked back. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would probably say that my best quality is just being able to push through when things get tough.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am definitely a leader by example. I am an athletic offensive lineman, so I fit well out on an island at the Tackle position.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Austin Edwards, DE from Ferris State. He was very athletic but also had the strength to go with it. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Sam Roberts. He is an absolute stud. He is strong as an ox and has super long arms which makes it difficult to control all of his strength.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Having my spleen removed a week before fall camp and trying to gain back the 40lbs of muscle lost.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement is making 1st Team All-American. I strive to be the best at what I do, and this is something that I have been working towards since I stepped foot on a college campus. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Picking one play is harder than it seems. Our game against Grand Valley in 2018 was an amazing performance by the offensive line as a group, we ran for almost 360 yards. If I had to pick my favorite play, it would be in that game when the O-line opened up a massive hole for our running back Isaiah to run right through all the way to the safety where he shook him and walked into the endzone. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
It would definitely be basketball. Although it was a few pounds ago, I used to play in high school. 

What was your major/minor? Other than football, what would be your dream job?
Major – Agricultural Business
Minor – Agricultural Finance 
My dream job would be to become a farmer. 

What have you been working on in the off-season?
Gaining weight and muscle to be able to dominate in the run game. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Joe Thomas would be my favorite player and person that I try to model my game after but my favorite team is the KC Chiefs. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any secret talents?
I like to spend my free time outdoors, hunt and fish. 

Why do you play football?
Ever since I was a little kid watching football on TV, I’ve always wanted to play at the highest level possible. I grew up loving the sport and have never stopped. 

Who or what motivates you the most?
I always strive to be the best at whatever I’m doing. I was raised to always keep your head down, work hard and people will notice. I have a lot of internal motivation to keep pushing myself for my teammates.