Name: Tyler Witt
School: Purdue University
Position: OL
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 308

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

I wanted to make the all conference team at some level. I was able to do that, earning consensus Big10 All-Conference Honorable Mention by both coaches and media. My other goal was to just play my best football of my career, which I also thought I accomplished this season.

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

I was able to really refine all the skills that I needed to improve in. I was relentless about working my pass protection. From my base, to my posture, to my hands. I went through everything with the help of my coaches to get to where I was confident in my technique. Also getting to go against some of the best defensive linemen in the country helped me to step my game up.

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

My coaches and teammates would say that I’m a hard-worker and physical player. I set the tone with my physicality and bring up the intensity among the line with that. They know I work hard in the weight room and on the field to make myself better than the day before. They would also say that I’m an intelligent player. I have so much game experience (55 consecutive starts) in addition to it being my 6th year going through practices, so I’ve been able to help my teammates with questions about scheme or technique.

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

Film is one of the biggest tools I use when preparing for opponents. When I watch film, I typically start with watching a game or two for personnel, which defensive linemen are in and how often. Then I look at how they pass rush and which moves they like to use. After I’ll do the same thing for the run game. Finally, I’ll go over what kind of tendencies each player has. Do they lean when running a game? Do they have their outside hand down when they slant? Things like that are what I’m looking for. I’ll also do this for linebackers on blitzes.

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

I think what separates me from other prospects at my position is my level of experience. I have played in so many games against so many teams, it has helped me to become a better player. It is one thing to watch film on the best defensive linemen in the country, but going up against them in a live scenario is a whole other beast.

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

Prior to training, I got invited to compete in the Tropical Bowl down in Orlando. I was able to showcase my playing ability to 30 NFL scouts. For my training, I returned to the Chicagoland area for my training. I am working with Shannon Fitzhugh of G3 Powerhouse. He has been training me since I was in 6th grade and will be working with me on my Pro Day preparation. I am also working with NFL veteran Olin Kreutz twice a week on offensive line work.

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

I think I will bring a hard working and physical mentality wherever I go. I want to be the guy that helps to set the tone in practice and in the film room. A motto that I have lived by in football is “if you fail to prepare, then you prepare to fail.” I always prepare myself for any task that is in front of me and hope that people can see that wherever I go. Another thing I try to do is be kind to everyone I meet. I think there is a lot of positive things that can come from always being a kind person off the field because you never know the kind of impact you can have on someone.

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

My final pitch to NFL teams is that if they take a chance on me, they’re getting an individual who constantly strives to be the hardest worker in the room. Throughout my career, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve had and I will continue to do the same at the next level. My preparation and work ethic are unmatched and any team would be getting a player with a lot of leadership experience as well.