Name: Will Ortner
School: Central Washington University
Position: OL
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 305

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

I wanted to be a part of a team that left a legacy at CWU. The previous few years we had come up just short of making the playoffs. I made it my goal and my mission to help my team make it to the playoffs any way that I could. The season did not go exactly according to my plans, but we made it to the playoffs and I feel that I helped us get there.

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

I took the year to help improve my football IQ. I have always had a pretty good understanding of what the offense is doing and why we were doing it, but I knew I could improve my understanding of defenses. I knew I needed a deeper understanding of how different defenses would try to stop our offense so that I could see what they were doing before they did it. I did this by studying more film than I had before, and through my internship with the team. By learning how to break down film, I gained the knowledge of how different teams’ defenses liked to attack teams. Then I could make real-time adjustments to counter their gameplan. This also allowed me to give accurate information to my coaches and teammates on the sideline. Physically, I spent more time than ever working on my flexibility. I spent 1 hour 3 to 4 days a week practicing yoga to help improve my flexibility. I found that I felt better on the field and in the weight room with my improved flexibility. This helped me become a more complete player.

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

I believe that my coaches and teammates would say that I am a smart player with an intense passion for the game. I worked hard and studied hard throughout my college career to be the best player I could be and I hope that they noticed that.

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

I am constantly looking at my technique to try and find small improvements I can make to make myself a more complete player. I am a player that is never satisfied and I am constantly trying to find improvements in my game.

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

What separates me from other pro prospects is my football IQ. My knowledge of the game has allowed me to not only pick up offensive playbooks quickly, but it has also allowed me to understand defenses as well. With this understanding of defenses, I can see what the defense is going to do and figure out the best plan to combat their strategy.

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

I am currently training with Ryan Paul and New Athlete. Ryan does a great job of not only helping create bigger, stronger, and faster athletes, but he has helped me gain a better understanding of how my body works. This has given me a better understanding of how proper nutrition and proper sleep affect my performance. With Ryan’s help, I have made the necessary changes to reach my full potential.

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

I believe that my football IQ will be my biggest strength I will offer a team. I also believe that teams will be impressed with my work ethic. I have always worked hard to create and improve my abilities on and off the field. Lastly, teams would get a tough player. I pride myself on my ability to play hardnose football and to help lead my teammates through tough times.

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

Teams would get a player that worked relentlessly every day to be the best player and teammate he could be. I would constantly be working on the physical and mental aspects of the game to make myself a complete player. Being a professional football player has always been a dream of mine, and I will do whatever it takes to make that dream a reality.