2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nick Cofer, TE/FB, Heidelberg University

• Name: Nick Cofer
• Position: TE/FB
• College: Heidelberg University 
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Twitter: @cof_19
• Instagram: @nickcofer19 

1.)What are your favorite things about playing football for Heidelberg?

First off, easily my favorite thing about Heidelberg is that it is closer to home, and that it is a University I can see myself attending without football being involved, and walking around campus just feels like home. Secondly, looking at the football aspect, being a part of a great program where everything is earned and nothing is given, is very special.

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

When it comes to energy, I am not someone who is constantly screaming, yelling, talking or dancing. I typically bring a very intense, focused, locked in kind of energy. My teammates know that I am a very quiet individual when it comes to warmups. I am very locked in, letting the fire build up until kickoff. During the game, I am usually the one who is looked at to make a big hit, and give a spark to the team by making a gritty, drive extending kind of play.

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

It would have to be a coin flip between Tom Brady and Kyle Juszczyk. Tom Brady because he was an underdog in every aspect, and ended up becoming the greatest QB of all time, and to be able to see what he does on a daily basis, and how he studies the game would be amazing to see and learn about. Kyle Juszczyk because he is the one person in the NFL I compare myself most to because we are similar in multiple ways, and to see and learn how he trains, recovers and prepares would be a great tool for me moving forward.

4.) What sets you apart from other tight ends?

The one thing that I believe sets me apart from any other tight end is the versatility I am capable of bringing to an offense. In our offense now, I am always split out, attached, or lined up as an H-Back or in the backfield. Being able to do all of these things, including running any route or blocking anyone on the defense is huge because at that point we can do whatever we want in any kind of set. I am able to do any kind of motion, in any kind of set, get to the correct position on the field, and make the correct block or run a good route and get open. Having that kind of versatility, and being able to do all of those things at a very high level is what I believe sets me apart from any other tight end in the nation.

5.) What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

From a very young age, I was able to be coached by my father. Ever since I was able to walk or run around, he was teaching me the game, and I immediately fell in love with the game. He taught me all of the basics, as well as the work ethic needed to be great, and ever since then I have been all in for the game and been in love with it.

6.) What is your favorite workout?

Lower body, specifically squat. I get called crazy all the time for loving squat, but it’s a full body exercise that is always a grinder to complete, and I just think it is genuinely fun to perform.

7.) How do you prepare for games?

I am a huge mental preparation kind of individual. I usually get up early, get a cup of coffee and listen to music. I usually watch some film the day of the game to help ensure anything that I may be confused on or questioning, but music is a big escape for me. I typically listen to softer, slower music to help me relax and just think about the game. More towards the start of the game I will start listening to heavy metal, or more upbeat music to help me mentally prepare for the game and get me into my killer mindset. Once we begin going out for warm ups, I just let the fire build and then release it at kickoff. Mental preparation is everything for me on game day.

8.) What is a moment that improved you as a football player?

A moment that helped improve me as a football player was losing a close family member. Believe it or not, that really helped me on the field because with losing someone that close, I realized that nothing is forever. So from then on I started paying attention to the smaller details, and the smaller things involved in the game. That really helped spring me into the football player I am today, because I do not just look at the big picture, I pay a lot of attention to the small details in everything I do.

9.) What do you love about the game of football?

The main thing that I love about football is the fact that one person can’t win you a football game. With there being three phases of the game, it takes the entire team, doing their job and executing in order to win a football game. Also, football brings people together and creates a special bond within the players, coaches, and fans that can never be taken away. To me, football is the greatest sport to ever be created, because of how the bonds and friendships created from the game last forever.

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

A team would get somebody that strives to be better at all times, in every aspect of life. Perfecting my craft, and becoming the best student, friend, athlete and man is an obsession for me. My father used to tell me “keep the knife sharp, in every single way” and that has stuck with me and a team would get somebody that wants to learn, work, and strive to perfect their craft every single day, whether that be on or off the football field. 

11.) What should we know about Nick Cofer the person?

I love reaching out to help others, whether it be in the community outside of football, or helping a young individual be better on the field. Being genuine, kind, and caring for others is a major priority in my life. I am always there for other people, to help them in any way I can. I love watching people be successful and be happy, and if I am able to help someone go in the right direction to be successful, I am more than honored to be a part of that. 

12.) What are your favorite moments from your football life?

First, football gave me a plethora of people that I know will be a big part of the rest of my life. I will always cherish all of my friends that football has brought me, especially my direct friend group, that will be a very special part of me the rest of my life. Secondly, looking at things on the field, my favorite moments are when my teammates succeed, especially when I am a part of that success. Making a touchdown sealing block, or making a catch, setting up a certain play, or even running my route to open someone else up. Doing things on the field that help my teammates make big plays and succeed are easily my favorite moments on the field.