NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Tanner Agen, DL, Michigan Technological University

What is your name?

Tanner Agen 

What is your Height/Weight? 

6’2 3/4″ 295

What is your position? 

Defensive Tackle and Long Snapper

Where do you play college football? 

I played for Michigan Technological University in the GLIAC

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field? 

The coolest thing I have done off the field would be any community service where I was able to work with youth and teach my craft. They really look up to you and are there because some day, they want to be where I am now.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

The hardest college class that I took would have to have been Applied Portfolio Management Program (APMP). My teammates and I managed $500,000 of the Michigan Tech Endowment Fund and made our own investment decisions in order to generate a return.

Where are you from? 

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Who is your role model, and why?

Well growing up I looked to Brett Favre and his toughness along with Reggie White. As I continued to get older, I would gain more relationships that I would consider role models such as coaches and older teammates. All of these people have built me into the person that I am today.

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

I played basketball up until my sophomore year, and baseball through my senior year.

Did you play any other positions in football? 

I started as a linebacker and made the transition to defensive end my senior year of high school and made another transition to defensive tackle my RSophmore year. I was also a long snapper in high school, and picked it back up again my senior year as a back up in college.

At your position, what separates you from others? 

My toughness, football IQ, motor, and perseverance. I broke my right fibula in week six of my RSophmore year before the half and finished the game. Then, week six of the following year, I broke my fibula again where I started and finished the remaining four games of the season and our playoff game. Based on my football IQ and film study, I was able to do diagnose play before they happened and my motor will speak for itself. I have persevered through so many obstacles to have the opportunity I have now, and I will continue to do so.

 When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

Well start with formation, and based on the break down provided by the coaching staff, we can determine the plays that are a possibility. Then I can look at where the back; how deep is he, is he behind the tackle or the guard, and is it the teams running back or full back. Then I will look at the lineman; is he heavy of light in his stance, what are their splits, and is he looking at the guy he is suppose to block.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

I would have to say the center from Grand Valley State, Armstrong, my RSophmore year.

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

I would like to be compare to JJ Watt being able to play the whole defensive line, however I never got the opportunity to play on the edge. He is always disruptive and in the backfield. He is one of my role models, he has a great attitude, work ethic, and toughness. He had just come out and said that he was playing with five torn core muscles and I can honestly say I would do the same thing. It would be great to meet and possible train with him to see what a day in his shoes would feel like.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

As I have said before, I broke my fibula twice. The first time was a process because I was told it would heal on its own, however it didn’t do that. The muscle wasn’t allowing the bone to move back into place because of the impact of the hit I took. So then I had to go in and get a plate. That took more time out of training and was finally able to rehab in the summer and get ready for football. However it took some time for my legs to get into shape, but I broke my leg again during the season. This time it wasn’t going to sideline me. I had to wear a protective custom cast during games that I would cover with a long sleeve that I cut of my shirt so no one would notice. I was limited some with certain movements but I wasn’t going to miss more games due to it. At the end of the season I had to go in and get it fixed again, rehab again, and in the summer we thought it would be a good idea to take it out, and then rehab some more. I was finally healthy for my senior season and I couldn’t have been more thankful.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

I always listed to the same playlist that I have, but beside that nothing special.

What is your biggest strength? 

My biggest strength I would say is my strength as well as football IQ. The game is easy when you know what’s going to happen

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness is my consistency. I would say that I played down to the level of my opponents at times and that’s something that simply can’t happen and won’t happen when I get a chance at the next level.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say? 

The GM will be able to tell by the look in my eyes. I will do anything and everything to be a better player, whether it is extra film study, knowing the entire defensive line playbook and my flat out work ethic.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

I had mentioned before Brett Favre and my team was the Green Bay Packers.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose? 

I would love to meet Mean Joe Greene, (who was my defensive line coach’s mentor) Reggie White, and JJ Watt

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

It won’t be anything I buy, it will be the debts that I have accumulated from the friends and family that have helped me get where I am today.

 

Rapid Answers:

• Tupac or Biggie? Both
• NFL Network or ESPN?
  
• Coke or Pepsi?
  
• Pizza or Burgers?
  
• Dogs or Cats?