Name: TJ Olsen
College: Catawba
Position: Guard
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 304
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
TJ: Athletic, Physical, Intelligent.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
TJ: I am training at the United States Performance Center with NFL Offensive Lineman Ron Patrick on various lineman drills. Ron is also teaching me the art of snapping, so I will be more versatile and more of an asset to teams. I also train at Velocity Sports Performance in Charlotte North Carolina. I focus mainly on explosion, athleticism, and positional technique work at Velocity. In total, I am training 5 days a week for 4 to 5 hours a day, with Saturday being a day in which I work with former NFL players Frank Garcia and Geoff Schwartz on lineman technique drills to help perfect my craft.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
TJ: I would compare myself to Ali Marpet. I am an impactful and explosive run blocker that has great quickness off of the ball. I have excellent leg drive to push my man backwards and finish blocks. I also utilize my athleticism on the field. I compare myself to him because he came from a smaller, lesser known school, but worked hard to make it at the next level and that is what I am hoping to do.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
TJ: I look at how the defensive linemen line up and sit in their stances to see if I can spot consistencies with which gap they are responsible for. I also study the opposing defensive linemen’s favorite pass rush moves and where they might use them depending on the down and distance. I take note of where the linebackers and safeties line up as well, so I can spot different blitz packages that the opposition will use. I also focus on how the opposing linebackers move in open space and on determining how they will play the run and the angles that I should take in blocking them.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
TJ: I separate myself from other linemen through my athleticism, football acumen, and burning desire to win.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
TJ: Abilities that I possess both on and off the field would be my maturity, leadership, accountability, and respect for others.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
TJ: You will get a hard worker that will sacrifice anything for the overall team’s success. I am very coachable and make adjustments to my game quickly. My drive and will to succeed is second to none. I don’t know how to fail. I have a passion for the game of football and I am thankful to go work on that craft everyday. You won’t regret your decision.
