2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Keith Tambe, DE, Northern State

• Name: Keith Tambe
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 275
• Position: DL
• College: Northern State University
• Twitter: ktambe31
• Instagram: keit.b32
  

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 graduated from Utah State with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. I’m doing my Masters in Sport Performance at Northern State University. I’m involved with SAAC here at Northern, and I’ve liked all of the different projects we’ve been able to do. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I’ll do whatever the coach asks of me. If it means taking up blocks to free other people I’ll do it. I’m a team first guy and I want my teammates to succeed. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I feel that my versatility can help me with any scheme. Each of the schools I’ve played at we’ve used multiple looks. So, I’ve been everywhere from a shade, a 3-tech to a 4i. I’ll go wherever the coach needs me to line up.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Easily my old teammate Jordan Love. Watching him escape a sack and throw balls into perfect spots in tight coverage was a thing of beauty.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Vance Barnes. He is dedicated and focused on goals. He works everyday to improve himself little by little. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I went on a church mission trip for 2 years, and it was the hardest experience of my life. It was great getting to meet so many amazing people. Yet, it was tough being away so long from my family, being on my own in places I had never been before. My faith was able to help me overcome that struggle.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Definitely basketball. I played basketball growing up before I started playing football. If I could have grown a few more inches, I would have taken basketball more seriously.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement has been graduating college and being able to work on my Masters. I really value education, and getting my degree is something I’m really proud of. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Probably the first game I ever got in. I got a TFL on that drive, and that really calmed me down, helping me to realize that I can compete against anyone. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite team has always been the Cowboys. I’ve been a diehard fan my entire life. I always loved watching Demarcus Ware and Tamba Hali. Just watching them use their length and speed to get around is something I really try to model myself after.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I don’t really have one specific artist. I probably would say I listen to Schoolboy Q the most. Before a game, I usually just sit and listen to music and focus on what I need to do, visualizing myself making plays.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Probably either my mother’s African food or any type of southern food I’ll eat. 

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Wire is definitely one of my favorites. It’s one of the best tv shows of all-time.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love doing calm activities where I can just relax and just think. I try to read whenever I have time. I also love to fish and hike.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love the bond you create with your teammates. You are all working towards one goal and want to help each other achieve it. I also love how it can build toughness both mentally and physically. I’m motivated by the feeling of winning. When you come off the field and you’ve given it all and won the game that feeling is second to none