2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ty Castillo, LB, Wisconsin Lutheran College

• Name: Ty Castillo
• Position: LB/ S
• College: Wisconsin Lutheran College
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: Ty_Castillo3
• Instagram: Tycastilllo

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

My work ethic sets me apart from the crowd. I’ve always seen how beneficial it is to yourself to remain humble while pushing yourself in the weight room and when honing your craft. What also makes me stand out is my versatility as a defensive player. I played linebacker my entire life until high school, when I was moved to safety, where I played high safety and nickel. I am comfortable in almost every defensive position on the field, which makes me dangerous because I can line up in a variety of spots to create plays.

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

I didn’t want to play football when I first started, I wanted to get into boxing or learn some type of martial arts. My parents signed me up for football when I was six years old and it only took me a couple of games within that first season to fall in love with this sport.

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I am a playmaker constantly looking to perfect my game.

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

I’d donate to those working with suicide prevention. A lot of suicide cases I have seen have been with the youth to the teenage age group of our society 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Before reacting to any situation, take a moment to ask yourself, “What could I have done better to help this issue?” because there is always something you can do better. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood heroes were my parents honestly. Both served in the military and my whole life I have seen them go through adversity and seen them put in unfamiliar situations and no matter what they managed to get through it all without me noticing as a kid. I can remember being a young boy and seeing my parents come home from work in their military uniforms and I just thought it was the most amazing thing.

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

The most underrated teammate from my college team was without a doubt Justin Parbs. Parbs is the best Running back in our conference and probably one of the best in the nation of D3 schools. He also has phenomenal hands and can run crisp routes which makes him a vertical threat as well.  He has been a great leader and brother since he joined our program two years ago. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when someone isn’t reliable. It frustrates me most when someone says they will do something or be there for you and they just don’t show up.

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

One of the hardest moments in my life is when I transferred schools my sophomore year of college. I didn’t know what was to come next with making that move and it was terrifying. I left my current school because I wanted to try to excel at the D1 level. I took off for UTSA in the spring semester of 2020. The week of tryouts, the school got shut down because the COVID-19 pandemic had hit terribly. During that time I had no clue if my football life was over, I didn’t even know if I was still going to continue college. I never got that chance to tryout but overtime I realized that it wasn’t where I was supposed to be. I found my way back to Wisconsin Lutheran college a year later. Everyone think they can be D1 and that is the only way to the next level but it isn’t, its all about the legacy you leave and the impact you make wherever you go and that will always be bigger than spending your college career trying to go D1.

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

Wisconsin Lutheran College is special to me because of the foundation they built. The school focuses on loving God, loving one another, and furthering the education of the students. I love it specifically because of the journey I have had in life. Growing up I was always attending a Christian school but as the years went on and my family continued to move constantly due to my dad being in the military, I felt that I lost my way in my faith as I began attending public schools. When I was first offered by this school I knew it was the right choice I just didn’t understand why. As I have matured in the college world, I have realized that this was all God’s plan to help me get back on track with my faith and get back to the roots of what I value.

What is your favorite snack food?

I eat oatmeal with a scoop of peanut butter about two times a day as a snack just because it is quick to make and filling. 

What is the best part of football?

The best part about this game is the opportunities and relationships that come with it. I have been able to meet so many different people and see different places. From 7-on-7 travel ball to attending a variety of camps at different colleges, I got to see a lot of different views of the game from people of all generations. Then, the bonds you create in football are a lifetime brotherhood. I still talk to a few guys on every team that I have been a part of since I was 6.

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

My highlights speak for itself, you’ll see a dedicated athlete making plays for his brothers!

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

Jamal Adams

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

Kobe Bryant, Ray Lewis, and my Aunt Tenishia. I chose Kobe Bryant and Ray Lewis because of their attitudes toward the game and the way they carried themselves. My aunt passed away over a year ago due to Covid. I’d love to have dinner with my auntie again just to tell her how much I love her and that everything is okay and taken care of down here.