NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler Roberts, TE, Merrimack College

Tyler Roberts is a very athletic playmaker in Merrimack’s offense whose versatility knows no bounds. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Tyler Roberts
  • Height: 6’3”
  • Weight: 240
  • Position: TE/H-Back
  • College: Merrimack College
  • Twitter: Tyler_Roberts33
  • Instagram: t_roberts04

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am a Health Science major with a minor in Psychology. I currently hold a GPA of 3.61. Last summer, I had an internship with a local gym which allowed me to work as a strength and conditioning coach for 2 separate high schools. As a result of taking a class on social justice, I set up a volunteer opportunity with Habitat for Humanity through our service department.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would speak about my consistency and reliability. I bring the same intensity in everything that I do whether that be in practice, in the film room, with my lifts, what I do on the field and what I do in the classroom, maintaining a high GPA. I give 100% in everything that I do, and I’m never late.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I think what sets me apart from every other TE in my class is my versatility and how I can be used in a bunch of different ways. I’m used on a lot of snaps as the H-Back, yet I’ve also played as an in-line blocker as well as in the slot and out wide as a receiver. During my freshman season, I started 10 games as a LB, and I’ve also served as the team’s starting long snapper.

I take pride in my ability to contribute on special teams. I feel like my time as a linebacker has helped me be a quality tackler. I’ve contributed to all special teams units. I have been very disruptive on the punt team, making good tackles in the open field.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Some of the best players that I’ve faced recently are Titus Leo of Wagner and Benton Whitley of Holy Cross. They are good athletes that have the ability to rush the passer as well as get good extension in the run game with their length. Watching film on Holy Cross, there are guys that are just set apart like Jacob Dobbs. He brings it every play and runs very well. As a freshman, I played against Deonte Harris when he was at Assumption. He’s a quick and shifty athlete who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I have to give a shout out to Pat Conroy who’s the other TE on our team. We play a ton of 12 personnel together, and I feel like we are the best TEs in our league. We always push each other to get better, and I know that once I leave that he’ll have a breakout year at Merrimack.

Defensively, we have a long corner in Anthony Witherstone who is a true competitor. I love the way he approaches the game. He’s a quiet, humble guy off the field that has really stepped up and made great plays on the field.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My transition from LB to TE was something that I have to persevere through. My freshman year, I made the All-Rookie Team for our conference with 56 tackles. I also had at least one weekly award as a defensive player. I thought that I was going to make a bigger impact going into my sophomore year, but my coaches decided that I would be better used on offense. I was pretty disappointed at first. I wasn’t getting a ton of touches. I felt like I did well as a blocker, but I wasn’t getting passes thrown my way. I kept the faith in the coach’s decision and went to work every day trying to better myself. I believe it’s all worked out. I’m now not only one of the top receiving TE’s in our conference, but in the entire country as well.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I was a good lacrosse player back in high school and had over 150 goals in my career playing midfield. I won team MVP 3 consecutive years. I’m sure I could have played collegiately if I wanted to. I just decided to stick with football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud that I’ve been voted a 2-time team captain by my pears. I’m also honored to wear the #10 jersey which is very prestigious at Merrimack. Not only does that jersey mean that I’m a good player, but it also speaks to my character and how I’m viewed as a leader off the field.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my most memorable plays was during my freshman year. I was able to have a scoop and score against Bentley. I returned a fumble for 56 yards and a touchdown. That was not only my first college TD, but that was for the game winning score which makes it so special.

As a TE, one of my more recent plays was against LIU in 2021. We were running a scissors concept with me running a post and the other TE running a corner route. Our QB Westin Elliott threw a great ball that I caught in front of 3 different defenders in the endzone. That game was a complete blowout win.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I really like George Kittle and how he plays the game the right way. He blocks very effectively in the run game and can also make plays in the pass game. I see myself as a player like him or like Kyle Juszczyk who also plays for the 49ers.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I’m the kinda guy who will listen to anything from Five Finger Death Punch to Lil Dirk.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I can always go for some BBQ. I’m a steak and potatoes kind of guy. I can eat that with some cornbread and mac & cheese.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite show of all-time is Game of Thrones.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
One of my hobbies is weight lifting. I think I would do that even if I wasn’t a football player. I also enjoy bass fishing. One of my secret talents is that I’m a pretty good chess player.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play because I love it. I’m a student of the game. I love competition. I’m very competitive in anything that I do. I hate to lose and love to win. I’m motivated to be the best that I can be, and I want to see how good I can really become.

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