2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ethan Tucky, OLB, University of Cincinnati
• Name: Ethan Tucky
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 235
• Position: OLB
• College: University of Cincinnati
• Twitter: Ethan_Tucky
What is the best restaurant in your hometown city?
•The best food in my hometown is my mom’s cooking. I would take that any day over the other options back home.
When breaking down your film what will stick out?
•My effort and speed. I always run to the ball because every single yard gained is personal. Also, I am very quick for my size, being able to combine size and speed for pass rush and coverage.
If you won the lotto, what is the first thing you would do with the money?
•Invest it, I’ll make even more in the long run. Also, I might buy Tesla but after the investment.
What has been your biggest failure?
•Losing the Peach Bowl. Almost didn’t cut it and I’ll never forget that feeling of being so close but failing.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
•Leadership. I want everyone to buy into the culture and push themself. I hate when people are lazy or use excuses for failure. It’s okay to make people uncomfortable if they are not helping the team or bettering themselves.
Who is the hardest working teammate on your team?
•Desmond Ridder has an amazing work effort. The skill he plays with and the drive he has to keep improving are impressive.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
•I don’t know if my last name counts but I almost forget my name is Ethan. Everyone always calls me Tucky or Tuck, some people think that’s my actual first name.
What is your degree in, if you do not make it as a football player, what is your dream job?
•I have a BA in psychology and I’ll be finishing my Masters in Behavioral Analysis this spring. My dream job would either be a professional Twitch Streamer or a Psychiatrist focusing on PTSD.
What is your coolest life moment?
•Seeing my niece for the first time and holding her.
What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
•Sweet Caroline or Mr Brightside, it’s a tough pick.
If you could pick any actor to play you in a movie, who are you picking?
•Tom Hardy, the dude is not only a great actor but a badass in general
Who is your favorite football team?
• Whoever will help pay the bills and gives me a chance, always love for those who put faith in you.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
•I’m extremely passionate about what I do. It might make others uncomfortable at times because I can be intense but it’s part of who I am and I wouldn’t change that.
What is your biggest fear?
•Not being a good father or husband. I want nothing more than to raise my children like my parents raised me and to love my wife with all my ability.
Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?
•Zach Allen because has a lot of talent to show and I can’t wait to see him reach his full potential.
Take us through game day, How do you prepare?
The calm before the storm, I try to stay very relaxed before taking the field. I don’t want to waste any energy and even while playing, I want to have a clear mind and be focused. I do watch a lot of anime fights at the team hotel to get my mind right.
Do you have any hobbies?
•I enjoy gaming, cooking, meditation, and music. I wouldn’t say I am overly excited or have crazy hobbies, but I watch where I put my time so I can be more productive.
If you had to compare yourself to someone in the NFL, who would that be?
•Vic Beasley, we have very similar builds and play styles. He has a wide range of tools and positions he can play, just like me. I’ve watched him for years and can’t wait to keep learning from his technique.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?
•My parents are the best people in the world and I couldn’t ask for better role models. They have taught me so many life lessons and if I can be half the person they are, I’ll be happy with my life.
What motivates you to work hard?
Knowing that nothing is guaranteed and my time on this earth is limited. Every day is a new chance to grow or learn something new, so nothing can go to waste. Also, someone is always working harder than you so the moment you let up, you will get past, so stay hungry.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com