2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: George Tarlas, Edge, Boise State University

• Name: George Tarlas
• Position: DL
• College: Boise State University
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 255 lbs
• Twitter: @george_tarlas
• Instagram: @george_tarlas

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

The physical and mental aspect of it, it’s something new to me, but I get to be as physical I can and use my brain at the same time. It has its own art to make you something special.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to achieve greatness at football, I can see myself being that football player, and I want to help and inspire people to take charge of their own lives and help people in need through different industries. Understanding we are in control of our lives.

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

I would want to sit down with Ray Lewis because of the way he played, I would want to pick his brain and understand his football IQ and mental toughness.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

2019 semifinals against Montana at Weber state, I had two interceptions in the second half while it was snowing, and then I said Hi mom on the TV camera haha.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My brother Spiros because he is fearless with his journey if he believes he can do it that’s all that matters and that has inspired me to be who I am today.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love a 3-4 or a 4-3 as long as I get to pass rush and drop in coverage once in a while playing outside linebacker gives you more space to be more physical on the run and when I drop I love confusing the quarterback and getting a pick or a pbu it’s like a chess game when you do both.

What should we know about George Tarlas the person?

I got a black belt and big heart, I love being in the moment and getting the best out of every situation, my wife has helped me with that as well! I’ve always been good at anything I did, now it’s time to utilize that natural Greek instinct I have within me and make plays in the big league. I just want show everyone what I am capable of.

What stands out about your film the most?

My physicality and the burst to the ball, I am always chasing the ball no matter what the situation meaning I always finish to the ball.

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

In the moment challenges are inevitable and hard to control, so you adapt to the situation I see it as a math equation with what’s in front you and what your goal is, there is no reason to be throwing a fit or beat yourself down, I’ve included a lot of meditation throughout my life to help me shift my focus to things that matter to things that are in front of you, not if’s and woulds there’s a saying in Greece we used to say “if my grandmother has wheels, she would be a scooter”.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get one of the most passionate football players that is committed to excellence and to the process, taking care of your body, and I love watching film first thing in the morning when your brain is fresh with some coffee and hazelnut, bringing teammates with me and either teaching the craft cause that’s when you learn best or listening to veterans and picking their brains. I don’t bring any issues off the field since I am married for 4 years now and I always try to be a good influence to others and making an impact. It’s who I am and I live every second of my life like that.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The process before a game, the problem solving of the opponent it’s like going to war and every week you go against different strengths and weaknesses, some might be stronger, some might be smarter but for me I find those things and use them against them, for example if they are fast they are not as strong, if they are strong they are not as fast, on top of that how do they react in certain moves what is their defense mechanism when they get beat or how do they react after they get beat? That whole process it’s beautiful because we can never know for sure until you are in the moment and now being able to control your fight or flight adrenaline response at a high speed. It’s beautiful.

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

The most underrated I’ve played with is Winston Reid LB from Weber state, one of the most physical and smart linebackers I ever played with.