Name: Taron Mallard
School: Bethune-Cookman University
Position: TE

Height: 6’6”
Weight: 255

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

My goals going into my senior season were to be an All-American and All conference player and make the HBCU LEGACY BOWL and put my self in the best position to get drafted. Unfortunately I missed the last 6 games and weren’t able to get any of it accomplished besides making the LEGACY BOWL.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I took advantage by getting stronger and faster as well as really working on my route running. I struggled in the previous years getting in and out of breaks with certain routes but I became a better route runner over the pandemic and understood the art of it a lot more.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

The player you can rely on, on and off the field. One of the first ones in the facility and last one to leave. A great teammate and man overall.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

Watching film I’m focusing on the bad plays or not so successful plays because that’s what we have to fix. So first 90 percent of the time I’m looking at the first step and hand placement when blocking. How did I lose the rep what went wrong and most of the time it comes from a bad first step. In route running I’m looking at did I get all of my depth did I stack the defender did I run out of my break. All of the little things that makes the difference in getting the ball and the QB not looking your way.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I don’t know what separates me from the pros at my position because I relate and take so much of their game and apply it to mines after all they are the pros. I have the basketball background like Eric Ebron , Jimmy Graham I played QB in high school like Travis Kelce did. So we all relate and because they are where I’m trying to get to I take so much from them it’s hard to say what separates us.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I’m currently training with Tony Ponton a trainer in Orlando who have quite a few pros as well as guys who are getting ready for pro-day. My plans are just to get bigger faster stronger for pro-day and put the best me out there for the scouts.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I’ve never had any off the field issues I’m so involved within the community and have a passion for kids. On the field your getting someone who’s going to continue to get better but at the same time constantly put who I am on film. That’s a security blanket someone on 3rd and long make conversions. A playmaker for my self and willing to do whatever to win. I’ve played games where I got 0 targets but won and was excited as if I scored the game winner. This game is a team game and I’ll continue to do whatever it takes to win and be apart of a team.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

Again when drafting or signing me your getting a guy with no off the field issues and ready to work and contribute in any and every way I can to win. I love this game and so grateful for any opportunity I get in the future. Drafting me will not be a mistake.