2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Grant Hermanns, OT, Purdue

• Name: Grant Hermanns
• Height: 6’7”
• Weight: 313
• Position: OT
• College: Purdue University
• Twitter: @GrantHermanns

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I was in the top 5 percent in my high school graduating class and a Crimson Scholar. I came into Purdue with an Engineering major, and eventually moved into the business side of things because it worked better with my schedule. I was named to the All-Academic Big Ten team 4 times. I obtained a 3.4 GPA and received a bachelor’s in Industrial Management with a minor in Economics.

My sophomore year, I had an internship at the Wade Power Plant which supplies the power to Purdue. I was responsible for keeping track of the cost of supplies and working on the bottom line.

My junior year, I raised close to $6000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The money raised for cutting my very long hair went to support research for pediatric cancer.

In 2019, I received the Kawanis Citizenship Award. That is on a coach’s vote for the player that exhibits leadership on and off the field.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my dependability and my leadership. I’m a hard worker that guys can look at to set the tone. They know that I lock down my guy and take care of my job.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My redshirt year at Purdue, I practiced at RT. For 4 straight years, I started 33 total games as a LT. After speaking to several scouts, they see me as a swing tackle at the pro level to play either side. Being a student of the game, I also feel that I can contribute as a guard if needed as well. I know how to position myself in the passing game and work off the lineman in front of me.

During my time at Purdue, we played multiple schemes. I’m most comfortable with a spread offense which is mainly what the league has been using lately. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Being in the Big Ten, I’ve seen some of the best talent. A lot of players from Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan. One of the players that I had to really put effort into preparing for was AJ Epenesa who currently plays for the Bills. He’s a great player, but he only had one pressure on me during our game.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
A couple guys to really keep your eye on are Spencer Holstege and David Bell. Spencer is coming off his redshirt freshman season where he started at LG. He’s very locked in and does everything with precise detail. His preparation for the game really comes out when he plays. I expect him to get bigger and better. David Bell is an unreal talent at WR. He’s coming off his sophomore season. David is a freak of an athlete. His raw measurables are amazing. He’s a very team oriented guy too. He’s always very prepared and humble. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My senior year of high school, I had to deal with my biggest struggle. I had a staph infection and ended up with a cyst the size of a baseball. I had to have emergency surgery to get it removed. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. I was very weak and lost almost 100 lbs. I had to build my strength back up and basically learn how to walk again. It was hard to deal with, but I had to stay strong for my teammates and family. It was said that had I been a little older that my ailment might have been fatal. While I was recovering, my goal each day was to walk further and further. There was this old lady that I was determined to beat walking around the block which I was able to do.

After I had recovered and gained some weight back, I was able to participate in wrestling. I had wrestled for 5 years, 4 of which were in high school and really enjoyed it. I took 5th in States as a junior and coming back from recovery, I was able to win the state championship in the heavyweight division. Wrestling has really helped me as a football player. You have to be aggressive and learn how to flip the switch before a match. I also learned how to use leverage, bending my knees and getting low to compete with guys that are shorter than me. There’s also a lot of hand fighting which easily translates to the football field.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of being a husband and father. As for football, I was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention this year. Yet, my biggest achievement was being voted as a team captain. It shows that the team trusts me. They know that I’m willing to take on a leadership role and pick up the team when I have to.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
There’s a game against Minnesota, we had a play that was a tackle screen where I had to block the corner. I knew if I had missed that block, that the corner probably would have made the tackle. I ended up knocking the corner out and putting him to sleep as our receiver ran down 40 yards down the field.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I grew up in New Mexico, and my Dad’s from Colorado. So, I’ve been a Denver Broncos fan my whole life. Lane Johnson who plays RT for the Eagles is one of the players that I like to emulate. He moves his feet very well. He has a clean body and is very athletic. The Cowboys’ LT Tyron Smith is another player that I like. Everyone who plays against him always say that he has strong hands and one of the tightest grips.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I like all types of music. The one song that gets me in the zone before a game is “8 Miles” by Eminem.

What is your favorite comfort food?
You can’t go wrong with Hamburger Helper. It’s a solid dish. Yet, we cook it with venison. One of the local restaurants that is good in West Lafayette, IN is Triple X. They have a peanut butter burger that you need to try.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I’m a Harry Potter fan. That’s my favorite movie series. Keanu Reeves is my favorite actor. One of my favorite TV Shows is Breaking Bad. One of the interesting things is that they filmed at my high school.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m an outdoors guy. I like to hunt, fish and go camping. I also enjoy reading. I’m a bit of a beginner, but I can play a little piano.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football for the opportunity to glorify God. I’m grateful for the size and athleticism that I’ve been blessed with. Faith and family are the main reasons why I play. I want to be able to support my family financially as well. I also love the game. I enjoy mastering my craft and dominating the guy in front of me.