Name: Ryan Anderson
School: Rutgers University
Position: Punter
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 200
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
Some of my goals heading into my final collegiate season was to gain more national attention. Furthermore, as I came off setting the NCAA DIII Punting Average record in 2016, I wanted to have an even better year this year. Fortunately, I was able to be awarded First Team All-Big Ten and I was able to be named the Eddelman-Fields Big Ten Punter of the Year. Along with that, I was able to set the Punting Average record for Rutgers University.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Athletic, Unique, Powerful.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I am living in Arizona for the next couple of months where I am training, both doing Punting and Lifting.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
For my specific position, there are a ton of little things that have to be watched every time I watch film. The things in which I watch the most would be that of, my drop, my steps, leg/toe extension, my follow through, and placement.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
What I believe separates me from the other people at my position is that of my athletic ability. For the first 4 years of my collegiate career, I played Receiver and punted at a smaller school. Furthermore, I was able to play collegiate basketball for 2 seasons as well. In high school, I was always known for playing Receiver, as I set many records and was a First Team All-State selection as a Receiver. Along with that, I was All-State in basketball as a Shooting Guard as well. So, I would say that my versatility and athleticism separates me from the other players at my position.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
As I mentioned above, I believe my biggest strength that I am able to bring to the field is that of my athleticism. I have the ability to do some things at the position that maybe some other players can’t do. Along with that, I am known for having an extremely powerful leg and I believe that is one of my best, position specific strengths. Furthermore, I was a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American two different times in my career. In 2016, I was the CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year, at Olivet College. These are some things that I believe will be beneficial to me off the field as well.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I have been fortunate enough to do something in my career that not many people can say they have done. I have played college football at all three NCAA levels. I gave up going to a bigger school out of high school for punting so that I could play receiver and punt, as well as play basketball. However, after being a 2x AFCA First Team All-American at DIII, Olivet College, and setting an NCAA record, I wanted to go realize that dream of playing on the biggest stage. Fortunately, I was given that opportunity by being able to play in the Big Ten East at Rutgers University, where I set a school record and was the Big-Ten Punter of the Year. I would say that one thing that really separates me is that of my perseverance, and drive. I overcame a lot of things in my career and ended my college career in a way that I couldn’t be more thankful for. I have never stopped working for everything that I have received, and I never will.