2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Atkins, OL, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 

• Name: Ryan Atkins
• Position: OL/ATH
• College: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 285lbs
• Twitter: ryanatkins
• Instagram: @big_atk60

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

I can play all 5 positions on the Oline, plus spread out for TE/FB. Up until I was 16 I was playing QB. (Swiss Army Knife)

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

Been playing football (QB) since the age of 3. 

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

I’m perfectly fine with dying on the football field. Dying doing something I love the most in this world. 

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

“Save the Children” is where I would love to donate because growing up I went through my own abuse and had to deal with it all alone and I wish I had someone there for me, so I want to be there for the children that needs that shoulder now a days!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“The 3 S’s; School, Sports, Social and if you want to be great you can only devote 100% of your time and energy to two, if you want to make it to your dream. School, and Sports!”  Social will always be available 

RIP ~Bryce Beeckman~ 

Who was your childhood hero?

My mother Michele Atkins. She raised 3 boys and 1 girl while battling through stage 4 breast cancer, having gallbladder surgery, and while divorcing my father. If she can do that and never gave up I can do what ever I put my mind too.

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

#54 Bryce Lusk 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Losing

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

Having knee surgery on July 1st, 2019, then had a near death experience by having a seizure while in recovery at the hospital. Then being told I might not be able to play ball again.

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

My brother attended UAPB years prior, and when dropping him off I told myself if I ever get the opportunity to come here I’m going to take it.

What is your favorite snack food?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

What is the best part of football?

Contact, Family

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

Drafting me if like drafting 7 people at once, I can do more then most.

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

Terron Armstead, he’s very athletic and uses that to win his reps.

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

1. My grandma that passed away 10/09/2022, so I could hug nd kiss her one last time because I didn’t get the opportunity to do so. 2. Zach Martin, I have so many questions from OL to OL and in my opinion he’s the best OG in the NFL right now, and 3. Kobe Bryant I learned who Kobe was when I was 6yrs old and after understanding his mindset and mentality for the game of basketball I wanted to take that for the game football.