Name: Tyler Dennis
School: Waldorf University
Position: CB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185

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

Our goal as a team was to get a conference title in which we came up short, but nonetheless a successful season. My personal goal I set during spring ball 2022 was to become an All-Conference Cornerback, give up 0 in conference touchdowns, lead the team in most take aways (5), get more interceptions (4, in which one was from the reigning national Division 2 champions), increased pass breakups (5), and tackles (18).

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

I sincerely believe all of my coaches and teammates would describe myself as a team player and somebody who comes in day in/day out to work my hardest to not only improve myself as a player, but to improve my teammates with competition. In other words an individual that leads by example, as well as being coachable.

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

When studying film I like to pick up concepts that our opposing team favors. By watching film with an offensive mindset/what our defensive scheme is that week allows me to prepare for what is most likely to come. Watching what types of plays are typically scripted at a beginning of a game, what types of plays are called midfield, red zone concepts, and digging real deep into film study by dissecting what a team runs 1st and 10, all 2nd downs, and all 3rd downs. Formation, personnel, and where the ball is at on the field as well gives me a fairly certain idea of what concepts said team will most likely run. Lastly, examining certain hand signals by a quarterback that may lead to certain routes receivers will run.

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

I believe what separates myself from other prospects is that I have statistically gotten better each and every year. Also, going the juco route as well as playing my 5th year (Covid year) has allowed me to see pretty much all types of receivers and pick up on certain strengths/weaknesses of types of receivers. With that being stated, I also feel as if I have seen most offensive play/route concepts in which I have learned what techniques will best put me in a position to make a game changing play. Lastly, I understand my own strengths and weaknesses which allows myself to play to the best of my abilities.

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

My offseason training has consisted of 5 days a week weights training, as well as continuing my training on the football field in order to stay in shape, be bigger, faster, and stronger. This allows me to continuously get better as an athlete and constantly keep growing to unlock 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?

The types of abilities I can bring off the football field is representing my team to the best of my abilities. Receiving the APAM (Apex Predator Apex Male) award in juco for highest character and hardest worker not only states the significantly dedicated worker I am on the field, but the type of character I bring off of the field at all times. Also, being the football representative of the student council of athletes at Waldorf university is another accolade that represents my character off the field as well as representing not only the football team, but representing my school. The abilities I bring onto the field is being coachable which has allowed me to open my mind/potential up as a cornerback, as well as being an individual with juco experience, and an extra (covid year) of expertise. This has allowed me to not only become a better cornerback, but also be a student of the game by learning quickly what offenses are trying to do schematically to a defense. Understanding where my defense is strong/weak on the field also prepares me for what the next play might endure.

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

My final pitch to any pro leagues is that you will without a doubt be getting a guy who will come to work day in/day out with a chip on my shoulder to beat out any competition, never complain, never satisfied with where I’m at on the field, and consistently be at my best game/a team player to allow my team to be in the best position to win.