2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tristan Ballard, TE, University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff

• Name: Tristan Ballard
• Position: TE
• College: University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff (Transfer from Wheeling)
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 245 lbs
• Twitter: @tristanballard_
• Instagram: @tristanballard_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

When I was 6 years old my mom took me to a practice field for peewee and I went onto the field and fell in love with football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Making long lasting friendships through football is my favorite memory.

What sets you apart from other tight ends?

My ability to block and stretch the field vertically. I am a very good blocker and when the ball is in the air it’s mine plus good football IQ.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I would say I’m a level headed person but I’m also seen as a leader and that’s important.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

George Kittle, that’s my favorite tight end, and I loved watching him at Iowa and he’s a gamewrecker and I would love to hang our with him and pick his brain.

How do you prepare for games?

I wake up early on the morning and do some yoga, listen to some relaxing music, get into the locker room and focus on what I need to do for my team.

What should we know about Tristan Ballard the person?

I’m a very relaxed and humble individual and I like to do other stuff outside of football. I’m a brother and son and I like hanging out with my family.

What is your favorite route and why?

Dig, because as a tight end I believe you should own the middle of the field.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I take a step back and realize what you need to do and not panic and execute what you need to do to fix the problem.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone who is driven internally. I want to go out there and be better and get coaching and be the best player I can be.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

To face a great level of competition in conference and go and do what my teammates and coaches want me to do and be the best tight end in my conference.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Jalen Dickerson, ever since I’ve met him he’s underrated and he’s at Winston Salem now but he’s the best offensive lineman I’ve played with.