2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler Witt, OL, Purdue University

• Name: Tyler Witt
• Position: OL
• College: Purdue University
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 308
• Twitter: @Ty_Witt2096
• Instagram: @Ty_Witt2096

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

• I would say that I try to rise to the challenges within myself. There’s always room for improvement in my mind, so when I have an issue on the field or in life, I turn internally and ask myself what I can change to allow myself to conquer the challenges.

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

• My parents got me involved when I was younger, but what made me really love it was the contact aspect of it. Growing up I only played offensive and defensive line since I was always a bigger kid. But I fell in love with the position because I get to move people against their will, which has always been enough satisfaction for me in playing offensive line.

What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

• I think my ability to watch film and my overall experience helps set me apart. Following our bowl game December 30th, I will have started 55 consecutive games in my career. I’ve been able to play against really talented players on some of the top teams in the country throughout my whole career. Being able to have that many game reps under my belt has allowed me to see what I need to improve on when watching the tape. I feel that my process of preparation for games by watching film has helped me tremendously throughout my career as well, and has aided in my success. Just devoting a lot of my free time to watching the players I go against, learning their tendencies, all has helped separate me from other linemen.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

• I think communication is the biggest key on the offensive line. I know our line at Purdue preach communication daily at practice and it has great carry over to the game. Whether it’s the calls for double teams, the down and distance, or the cadence we are using, communicating this is crucial in order for all 5 of us to be on the same page.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

• My dream has been to play in the NFL since I was in middle school. I have had that goal sheet on my wall since 2011. I am hoping for an opportunity to play at the next level in some capacity and continue to become a better football player each day.

What should we know about Tyler Witt the person?

• I grew up in Joliet, Illinois. I graduated with my undergrad in mechanical engineering. I am finishing up my masters degree in Technology Leadership and Innovation from Purdue. In my free time I love to draw and I also have taught myself how to tattoo and have been doing so for nearly 2 years.

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

• I think I bring more of a presence than energy. I’m not a big rah rah type of person, I prefer to set the tone with how I play. I like to play physical football and just getting everyone on the line in the same mindset that we are going to dominate the d-line is what I bring.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

• After our bowl game, I’ve accepted an invite to the Tropical Bowl so I’ll be participating in that event from January 12th-15th. Then I’m planning on training back at home with an offensive line coach as well as my trainer, Shannon Fitzhugh. He will help me prepare for my pro day at Purdue.

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

• I would love to hang out with Kyle Long of the Kansas City Chiefs. Growing up, he was my favorite player on the Chicago Bears. He is a physical player who was always a tough guy and was a great leader on the team. I’ve tried to model my mentality off him while on the field.

What would a team get in a player like you?

• A team would get someone who would work incredibly hard to be his best everyday. They would also get someone who is a leader by example, making sure I do everything possible to be successful and contribute to the success of the team.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

• I think two that stand out to me happened this season. Upsetting #2 ranked Iowa at their place. That was an experience I’ll never forget. But my favorite moment was probably upsetting #4 Michigan State at home. Having our fans storm the field was unlike anything that I have ever been apart of. The game was intense but we played well as a team and the result was a big win for us and our home crowd.

What do you love about the game of football?

• I love working with everyone to achieve a common goal. It’s one of the best parts of being an offensive lineman. I get to work with four other people to keep the quarterback safe and run the ball. Sure, we often get overlooked but there is a sense of satisfaction in knowing your group successfully did your job and helped the team to win.