2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler Adkins, RB, Pittsburg State University

• Name: Tyler Adkins
• Position: Running Back
• College: Pittsburg State University
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 215
• Twitter: @tylerahmad22
• Instagram: tylera_28

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

I stand out because I’m a complete running back who can run down hill and sideline to sideline. I have exceptional speed and play physical football every time I step on the field. I think of myself as a every down back with how I can step up and pass protect as well as run routes out the backfield. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I started playing Flag Football when I was 5 years old. My mom tells stories as far back as the age of 3 that I would be running and juking through the grocery store aisles with a toy football in my hands. I vividly remember playing the video game NFL Gameday 98 with my older brothers on Nintendo 64. I would even try on my older brothers’ pads and uniforms just to see how it felt to wear them. I knew very early on that I loved the sport.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

They should know that I’m a high-character individual. I’m dependable. You never have to worry if you’re taking a gamble with me. I’m results-driven and I let my performance speak for itself. It’s an honor every time I step on the field. I love being able to represent my family and my team.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would choose to donate to the Feeding America cause. I know there are people all around the world who’s circumstances fall short of others but no one should be denied basic human needs.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Exhaust every effort to reach your goals, but only worry about what you can control. Everything else that is meant to be will either fall into place or work itself out.

Who was your childhood hero?

My dad is my childhood hero and still is to this day. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever known. He raised all 6 of us with morals, values, ethics, respect, and discipline. I want to be a great father like he is.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

In my locker room at Pittsburg State, I felt I was surrounded by nothing but great talent who has been constantly overlooked. A person who sticks out to me in particular is Markel Roby, safety/DB who loves the game and plays his heart out for his teammates.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I dislike hateful people. It bothers me to see others mistreated, judged, or ridiculed. It’s usually accompanied by a sense of entitlement, which is almost just as bad.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I faced adversity early on in my childhood. I was only 11 years old when I was faced with a knee injury that wasn’t typical for someone at my age. I was confused and at a crossroads but knew I was willing to do whatever it took to get back to the field. I had to sit out a full year because my growth plates weren’t done developing and I couldn’t have surgery right away. Through time everything worked out and I came back better than ever.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Pittsburg State has the most wins in college football at the Division 2 level. It will always hold a special place in my heart because of the relationships made and how they welcomed me with open arms.

What is your favorite snack food?

I have to have some gushers in the cabinet at all times.

What is the best part of football?

To me the best part of football is the time spent off the field with your teammates. In the locker room, away games, those are the things you’ll always take with you and remember.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

When you pick Tyler Adkins, you’re picking the perfect blend of hard work & talent, and I take immense pride in not only achieving my goals but helping others succeed as well.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I would compare my play to Jonathan Taylor. We wear the same number and once we get rolling ain’t no stopping for nobody!

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My three people would be Kobe Bryant, Barack Obama, and Nipsey Hussle. I chose Kobe because he was the most fierce competitor ever, I would love to soak up everything he had to offer from advice to his way of thinking. I chose Obama because I think it would be interesting to learn and understand what he went through to get where he is today. What challenges he had to face that he thought he could never achieve. I chose Nipsey Hussle lastly because of how authentic and pure he was, he himself was faced with all type of adversities throughout his lifetime and I would find it interesting to listen to any wisdom he had to offer.