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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ta’Mar Heart-Wilkins, DE, Olivet College

Ta'Mar Heart-Wilkins Olivet college 2022
Ta’Mar Heart-Wilkins the solid defensive end from Olivet College recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen. (Photo courtesy of SabbyShots.com)
  •  Name: Ta’Mar Heart-Wilkins
  • Position: DE
  • Colelge: Olivet College 
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Weight: 245 lbs
  • Twitter: @tamarheart15

1.What is a moment in your football career that improved you as a football player?

The summer going from the seventh to the eighth grade changed me as a player. Seventh grade was my first year of tackle football so I didn’t really want to tackle. My father told me if I wanted to play football I could not be playing timid. We bought a helmet, shoulder pads, and a punching bag and I tackled that bag every day of that summer.

2.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang with any player for a day it would be Joey Bosa. It would be Joey because I love the way he rushes the edge and the speed moves that he uses. I want to pick his brain and try to better understand the game from a different point of view than my own. 

3.What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

My speed and ability to change directions set me apart from other defensive lineman. Other things that set me apart is my football IQ, I like to find weaknesses in my opponents and I recognize those type of things fast, and being a former offensive player help when it comes to body control.

4.What are your favorite things about playing football for Olivet College?

There are many things that I like about Olivet football but if I had to choose it would be how tight our team is. Everyone knows each other and would do anything for one another. The second thing is our coaches to player relationship, it’s tough love but it definitely shows that they care about us more than just football players but as young men and fathers (as some of us are) and most importantly as a student-athlete.

5.What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout would have to be core works outs. A strong core helps you have a better base which is super important for D-line.

6.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring intensity, I try to win every snap and do my job trusting that my teammates will take care of their job. I bring leadership to the team, just making sure that everyone is taking care of business and having fun while doing that. Just all-around positive energy and a mentality of we are playing every snap because the game is never over until the clock says all zero’s. 

7.What is a skill that you have that you think translates into the NFL well?

I think my work ethic and my mentality will translate well in the NFL. I work everyday to perfect my craft in some type of way whether it’s weight room or field work. I also am into film study and getting to better know my opponent’s weaknesses and strengths. My mentality is that I will not lose to another man and I will do any and everything in my power to achieve that goal everyday in practice and in games. 

8.Rank focus,footwork and skill based on what is most important to you as a football player and explain why?

Well, I would say your focus is first because if you cannot prepare right none of that other stuff matters, you have to have the right mindset going in. Second I would say skill because although I need the footwork to get where I need to be on the field, you need the skills to be able to get the job done once you get there, so that would put footwork next, That is also important as well.

9.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

My mindset is to dominate the man in front of me and take care of my job. I have an obligation not to let my team down. It’s 10 other guys out there depending on me to do my job in order to do their job and I cannot let them or myself down.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a great leader and a great player in me. Someone who will work hard and never give up on anything no matter how hard it is. They will get a coachable player that is willing to learn, a player that will give you his all every play. A player that is dependable and plays with a high motor. 

11.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

The biggest challenge in my life was being hurt, when I broke my foot last year it was the first time I had been hurt so it was super different not being able to play with my guys and also not being able to do things for myself. I was depressed for a little minute until I realized that it was more time to come back and get better and that’s exactly what I did. I embraced the thought of coming back and providing people wrong.

12.What are your biggest traits on the football field?

My biggest trait on the football field is the way I keep my team energized. I keep the energy high the whole game including the lows and the highs. Lows and highs will happen throughout the course of a game and it’s about how you respond to adversity, that is something that my coaches preach and is really passionate about so something I pride myself on is being that guy for my team. 

Damond Talbot

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

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