Name: Kyle Saddler
School: Augustana University
Position: QB
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200

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

The most important was a team goal to win our conference, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, go undefeated at home, make the playoffs, host a playoff game and win at least two playoff games. Each of these was accomplished with the exception of losing a very close playoff game in the first round. My personal statistical goals were 3,586 passing yards, 44 TD passes and 5 rushing TD. I was just short of the passing goals, with 3,405 yards and 38 TD, and had 5 rushing TD. In addition, I sought to be first team all conference, which I earned. I had goals that I was close to but did not achieve in being first team all American, and a Harlon Hill winner.

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

The year that we did not play was very difficult. We worked very hard but what we could accomplish was limited by only having team scrimmages. These made us better because we chose to see these scrimmages as the chance to play. I discussed this often with the team and with my fellow team captains. The year gave us the chance to get to know each other better through the adversity we faced. Lastly, it gave senior leaders the chance to really teach our culture to the freshmen and redshirt freshmen. In terms of going pro, it helped me develop more physically, mentally and as an overall player. My mental approach and leadership skills benefitted the most, which I think are vital for professional athletes, especially quarterbacks.

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

My coaches and teammates would call me a leader, and they would recognize my dedication to the game. Quarterbacks are seen as natural leaders and certainly need to be at the collegiate level, but I prided myself on leading by example every day, in workouts, in film study, in meetings, in practice and certainly on game days. I think they would see me as a football “gym rat”. They would also say I am prepared, extremely knowledgeable about the game, I have quick feet and a strong arm. Lastly, they would say I manage the game so well that I am like another coach on the field.

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

As a quarterback I focus on more than just making sure my mechanics are where they should be. When watching my team I am focused on looking at my reads pre snap and post snap. I make sure that what I, my coaches, and my teammates talk about is being executed on the field and if it is not, then it is important to be able to talk through it on film to get it right. When watching opponents or other film in general, I like to look at the offensive personnel and scheme and see what the defensive plan to stop them is. I primarily focus on what the defensive tendencies are for various situations. I like to identify keys on film that I can bring to the field to know what the defense is doing pre snap and assure it post snap. Film work is a strength of mine and it is something I am committed to year-round, to improve my game and elevate my team.

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

I consider myself a strong prospect for a few main reasons. First, I have extensive high-level experience after starting for 3 and one half years for Augustana. I have significant individual stats but also team success. I have a very strong arm and can make all throws, and have consistently into tight windows. I have a strong pocket presence and very quick feet, and a history of buying time to make throws and move the offense. I practice the fundamentals of the position all the time. Lastly, I love this game and I am driven by it. I am typically the first one in the locker room and the last one out.

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

Along with the commitment to study film, both my own and that of the pro QBs I admire (to learn the nuances of their skills and how NFL teams operate), I have access to excellent facilities and experts in the Sioux Falls area and also at home in Frisco, Texas. I plan to continue to improve my strength and speed and work constantly on all the fundamentals of quarterbacking. I have developed many relationships with current and former professional and collegiate athletes to work with, in addition to many coaches across the country.

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

I am an established leader on and off the field. I am committed, loyal and have a strong moral and ethical base. On the field, I will bring a record of success and performance. Off the field, I bring a community commitment, strong relationship building skills and a professional, businesslike approach.

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

One of the great compliments I received from my collegiate head coach during a media interview about me was when he said I could be on his staff right now. I believe that was proof of how I perform on the field and how I act with professionalism and class. I love the game of football and I will be around it in some way for the rest of my life. I have an intense desire to play professionally and show that an underrated Division 2 quarterback can succeed. Nothing can replace or replicate experience on the field, in games, with excellent competition. I do it with joy and passion and combine that with a business attitude.