Name: Blake Haynes
School: Tarleton State University
Position: OL
Height: 6-5
Weight: 330
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My previous season I received 2nd Team All WAC, so my final season my goal was 1st Team All WAC (which was achieved) or All American.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say I’m a strong, big, nasty lineman that wants to do his job (protect and block). One thing always mentioned to new athletes when my coach would introduce me to them is that I was a walk-on. I had no scholarship coming to Tarleton and ended my tenure on a full ride. It is a testament to my dedication and the coaching I received.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
I focus on the defenses hands. What kind of moves do they use? Do they long arm? Do they bull rush? Swim? Push pull? Any moves they have I want to make note of the style of player they are. Height and weight don’t mean anything when you are big and strong.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I benched 37 reps at pro day. That’s a number that is hard to ignore, it would put me 1 rep behind number 1 in the combine. My biggest strength is my strength.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
The plan is to keep my daily routine going. Workout and run through some o line drills. Stretching is an component that I have overlooked in the past, so I implement that in excess. Overall, keep my body at a high state of readiness.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
While I was in college, partying and bar hopping never was a interest for me. I was somewhat of a loner in that aspect. I was more interested in staying home and resting or going to the rec-center with my old roommate Blake for a workout and stretching session. Staying out of trouble was a big priority to me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
This game is my job, my business. I train for football like I’m trying to keep my job because that’s what it is to me, and I was successful at doing that at Tarleton. Now it’s time for my promotion.
