2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tabari Hines, WR, North Carolina State University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Tabari Hines
- North Carolina State University
- WR
- 5’10”
- 185 LBS.
- Hometown: Florence, SC
- Twitter: @TabariHines
2019 Statistics:
- GP: 12
- Receptions: 37
- Receiving Yards: 402
- YPR: 10.86
- TDs: 2
What have you taken away the most from Coach Doeren, Coach McDonald and the rest of the NC State coaching staff?
The price to pay to be great comes with a lot of struggle, a lot of ups and downs, but when you are committed, you remain loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.
You’ve made the cross-country trip during your collegiate career. After three seasons at Wake Forest, one season at Oregon, you’ve completed your journey in Raleigh. What was the main factor in coming back to the Carolinas to finish your eligibility?
Just the opportunity to try and end my collegiate career on a positive note because I just couldn’t fathom ending my career battling injuries.
Your cousin is Indianapolis Colts, and former Wolfpack, running back Nyheim Hines. How often do the two of you keep in touch and what advice has he given you about getting to the NFL?
We keep in touch a lot and talk about numerous things but the biggest advice he always gives me is to never stop believing in myself because the mental part of the game is what most people fall victim too.
When football is over, what do you aspire to do in the professional world?
I aspire to work with different charities and hopefully can start my own one day. I can see myself being a guest speaker for sports teams and at-risk kids.
What separates you from other players at your position?
All wide receivers are gifted, so beyond skillset abilities, I’m a student of the game, battled-tested, very passionate, and take adversity head-on and overcome it. I’m always searching for intel and ways I can be better than my opponent and that will to win drives me through everything I do in life.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Justin Simmons – Boston College.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
Doug Baldwin is one of my go-to’s. Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and I look a lot at Julian Edelman because he is one of the best at creating yards after the catch in the short pass game.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year of South Florence High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
Never ever get comfortable. Attack every day like it’s your last because the same way you got it now, in the snap of a finger it can be all gone. I also would tell my younger self is take your time and appreciate everything this game has to give you.
If I’m in Raleigh on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat at?
Morgan Street Food Hall.
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Tabari Hines will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
I’d rather fail at trying to get to the top than succeed being ordinary.