Name: Thaddeus Philyaw III
School: Humboldt state (previously at Jacksonville State)
Position: Hybride DB “can play any position in the secondary from corner to safety”
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 193
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
The main goal I set for myself in my senior season was to make an impact. I wanted to
showcase my talents in every way possible. I wanted to make big plays for my team on the field
and wanted to be a great leader/role model off the field. I knew people looked up to me on the
field and I wanted to be that guy everybody could count on regardless of the situation.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Physical, Fast, Electrifying.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I have been working very hard to improve my game in every way possible. I have been on a
strict program for some months now that include field position, weights, and speed training. On
top of that training, I also get group training sessions in for competition with other college and
pro athletes. When on the field, I do a lot of drills that target my hips and feet. I work on my
pedal, getting in and out of breaks and being explosive with change of direction. Another key I
focus on is ball skills, I do a lot of catching throughout my drills and work jump ball timing.
When training with other athletes, I work my kick step, press technique, off and catch man
because it’s important to work on in game tendencies. When in the weight room, I focus on
explosiveness and power, while lifting to help become a faster more explosive athlete. I don’t
take anything for granted, so I work hard and give it my all.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
When studying film, I study and pay attention to any noticeable advantage offenses give me
based on their tendencies. I pay close attention to formations and offensive tendencies to have a
better idea of what play they will run. I watch receiver releases to see what they like to do and
when they break off routes. I watch Quarterback tendencies like audibles, who he likes to throw
to in certain situations and route signals. I also spend time understanding my coverages and run fits in different situations.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
There are many things that separate myself from others at my position. I am tough mentally
and physically, overtime I have developed a very relentless style of play with maximum effort. I
am in constant pursuit of getting better and I enjoy results. Another huge attribute that separates me on the field is my field awareness and reaction. I have great vision, I can read and react very quick naturally. I am a very long, aggressive DB with great feet, hips, and big hitting ability. I am very productive with my press and have good speed to run with receivers. I am an overall playmaker, very aggressive at point of attack, great coverage, good ball skills and can play any position in the secondary.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths I will bring to a team is my heart, positive attitude, leadership, and drive for success. I didn’t have it the easy route, everything I’ve earned I had to work for and the chip I play with shows it. I always put the team first and I’m willing to do whatever for the team’s benefit. Off the field, I don’t have any issues, I don’t get in trouble and never failed any drug test. I will always represent the organization I am under with good manner. I will bring a positive attitude to the team and will bring 100% effort every day, whether its on the field, in film study or in the weight room.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
The organization that gives me an opportunity will get a hardworking athlete who wants to
win and loves to compete. They won’t have to deal with any off the field problems and will get
somebody passionate about the game of football. I am a hungry athlete ready to set a positive
influence in the community.