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Tyler Anderson | Thomas More University | RB/DB
Twitter: @tyrelanderson | Instagram: @t.andersone
Q: Tell us about your college career and what the recruiting process was like. Why did you choose _____________ (list your school)?
A: My college career was not as extensive as most athletes. I did not have much of a support system nor the resources as to getting myself out there as a player from a small high school. I knew I wanted to continue to play and decided to play for a school that had tried recruiting me. I chose Thomas More University because it was not far from home where I could help the family. The recruiting process was brief. I played for a season at Thomas More University after high school and then left for the military to secure finances for my education. I then returned a year later for another season before transferring to the University of Cincinnati.
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: The biggest accomplishment I have achieved thus far in my sports career is the character that the game and people along the way has allowed me to develop into.
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at_____________ ( list your school)?
A: The transition from high school to college football was significant in terms of complexity. High school was simple and fairly easy, while college incorporated a higher level of independence given more responsibilities. One of the more important things that I learned from the staff is that college football is a business. In order for that business to be successful, my contribution as an individual starts with perfecting the little things that in turn critiques the bigger things.
Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?
A: I initially studied physics as my major with plans set for a civil engineering profession. As time went along I discovered that it was not for me and fell back on plan B going for a criminal justice degree. If football does not plan out for me, I plan to pursue employment on the federal level.
Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?
A: I would say that the teammates I’ve had the pleasure of coming across would suggest myself as a reliable person they could always count on. An individual who strived to not only make themselves better in all aspects on/off the field but as well for those around him. People would define me as being loyal, dedicated, and contagious with positive energy.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?
A: One of my most memorable plays dates back to the glory days of high school. One of my younger brothers and I were placed as returners for kick-off return against a rivalry team during a homecoming game. The ball was kicked and caught by my little brother and that moment I just remember yelling for him to follow me as we made our way down the field. I gave all that I could in the blocks I made and he ended up, not scoring but returning it within the red zone giving our team the opportunity to then score on the next snap. I remember it as a proud brotherly moment that we still bring up in conversation to this day.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?
A: Upon reflecting, the biggest challenge I have faced was losing a parent at a younger age. Losing close family is something that is never exactly easy and people tend to have different coping mechanisms while going about all the mixed emotions. I was able to manage over time by becoming more appreciative of the time spent with close ones now and focusing on becoming the man I know my mother would have been proud of today.
Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?
A: There are few to name but if I had to name an athlete I would compare myself to Aaron Rogers despite our position difference. Like a young Rogers, I see myself as an underdog whose potential is often overlooked astray from what I could be if given the chance to learn and excel. I am not comparing myself to the Multi-million dollar franchise quarterback today but rather to him as the athlete who once found it difficult landing a Division I scholarship playing ball. His mentality and drive to push himself to where he is from his upbringing is found to be most accommodable.
Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?
A: My biggest strength that I can bring to the table is accountability and with that, my progression. To my understanding, Pro scouts work very diligently to find talent for teams willing to take a chance on the players they pick up. Being recognized and given the opportunity to live a dream as such should be compensated with a hard-earned work ethic and win-win mentality that grants reassurance to the people who took a chance on me, that they have no regrets in picking me. I show up for work and I promise my all.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back”/”pay it forward” in your community?
A: Although I would like to be able to do more at this time, I am in a leadership position within the military and mentor young soldiers under me balance between military and civilian life. As far as paying it forward within my community I try to associate myself with programs for the homeless as much as I can.
Q: How are you preparing for the 2020 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?
A: I find athletic performance the most optimal beginning with nutrition. I ensure that I am fueling my body with the right macros and supplementing my efforts with strength, agility, and speed training at a local gym I go to, FX Fitness located in Cincinnati, OH. My goals are to catch the watchful eyes of the scouts present and perform exceptionally well within the testing events.
Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?
A: My ultimate achievement would be that proud moment of recognition being picked for an NFL team and that moment being acknowledged by family and friends.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?
A: When not playing football, I enjoy spending time with my family, along with time in the gym as I am a big advocate for fitness.
Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
A: The most influential person in my life would undeniably be my grandfather. My grandpa was born in 1938 and was one of 12 children. He grew up in harsh living conditions where racial tensions were still high and despite the odds of a successful life pinned against him, he prevailed and started his own company as a businessman paving a path of chance for his family. He is worth every ounce of respect from anyone who may hear his story. Through him, I have learned the adversity is what creates and shapes a man.
