2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tim DeMorat, QB, Fordham

• Name: Tim DeMorat
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 225 lbs.
• Position: QB
• College: Fordham University
• Twitter: tdemorat
• Instagram: timdemorat

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’m a Communications and Media Studies major.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I’m good in clutch situations and do best in high pressure moments. Being competitive, I always want the ball in my hands when the game is on the line. I also show my toughness with my ability to take hits and get back up.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve been the starter since my freshman season. I’m now going into my 5th year in the program with a lot of experience. As far as scheme, we spread things out a lot using wide splits, allowing me to use my strong arm to make throws. Our coaches have given me the reigns to make judgment calls on whether to run or throw depending on the situation.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Last fall, we played against Nebraska. Their top corner, Cameron Taylor-Britt, was very fast. He’s probably the most athletic player that I’ve played against.

In our conference, Holy Cross is always well-coached. They have good players across the board with a good group of LBs and a nice corner in John Smith who’s fairly fast.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Ryan Greenhagen is the most impressive teammate that I’ve ever had. He’s an absolute monster and trains like one too. He has a great work ethic and is always near the ball making tackles and setting records. I’m also very fortunate to have a good receiving core to throw to. Fotis Kokosioulis is a very dependable receiver in the slot. Dequece Carter is my go-to guy who’s very athletic. My guys are always able to make catches when I need them to. I’m lucky to have all these guys back and excited for what this season holds.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During my first 2 years at Fordham, we really weren’t that good, going 2-9 and 4-8. I was sacked a lot in those years, and it wasn’t fun. We were a young team and just thrown into the fire. It took time for us all to grow and develop a scheme that worked. After a season of being off due to the pandemic, we played 3 games in the spring going 2-1. That really sparked confidence in us going into the 2021 season. We knew we had something going. We had a good run that season with a 6-game win streak. Offensively that was our best season. I know that we have more to prove this season and can’t wait to get on the field again.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Definitely baseball. I’m a big fan of the sport. I played up through my sophomore year, playing a bit of everything but mostly pitcher and outfield.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being 2-time All-Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year is a big achievement. I’ve also been a 2-time First Team All-Conference and Walter Payton Award Finalist. I’m most proud of being named team captain this season.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My favorite moment was during the 2019 season when we played against Georgetown. We were down 4 points with one minute left in the game. We drove the ball 70 yards down the field. On a 4th and 10, we were on the Georgetown 17 yard-line. I had Fotis in the slot to the left. He ran a fade towards the pylon. I fired the ball to him in tight coverage, and he made a great catch to seal the game.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a big Yankees fan. As far as football, I don’t necessarily have a favorite team. Although, I love watching Aaron Rodgers. He’s such a natural thrower and does it effortlessly.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I’m a country music fan and enjoy artists like Chris Stapleton, Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen. Before games, if I’m not listening to country, I might listen to some hip-hop. Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a good one too.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Popeyes Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Biscuits.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I like the Mission Impossible movies with Tom Cruise. Myles Teller is one of my favorite actors. I also like Will Ferrell.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m from Florida and enjoy being on the water. I like doing water sports like diving, surfing and boating. Fishing is one of my biggest passions.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Growing up, I fell in love with football. It was the one thing I was naturally good at. I love the relationships that you build on a team. You have 90 of your closest friends who you are willing to go to battle with.

I am a self-motivated person, and think about my future. I don’t want to look back and have any regrets. So, I bust my butt in everything that I do on and off the field to be the best at what I do.