Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Connor Taylor, Linebacker

Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL and CFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read this interview and follow Connor’s journey. Make sure you follow him on Twitter @connordtaylor2

1.If you could live anywhere in the world where and why?

Probably New Zealand. I’ve always wanted to visit there. I’ve grown up with friends from different islands, and I’ve always loved learning about their cultures. Plus it is really beautiful out there. 

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

Probably Patrick Willis. He was a silent assassin and a great leader. I’d love to see how he is off the field and learn about what made him great on the field. 

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

I would describe it as being in a flow state of mind. I don’t really have to overthink things when I’m out on the field because I have put in the time training and studying film, so when I’m out there I can just read, react and make plays.

4.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Probably at the end of the day, my favorite moments will always be being out on the field with my brothers. Plays and games kind of fade, but the relationships I’ve built through football are for life. 

5.What is your favorite workout?

Probably field drills, a lot of the drills that I do I like to think of it as a play, so I can get in that mindset. Especially when there is competition involved, it makes things a lot more high intensity. but I do love the gym.

Check out our other Free Agent Interviews on Draft Diamonds

6.What do you hope to accomplish if you make it into the NFL?

Same as when I was in high school and college, I want to be a contributor and a playmaker. 

7.If you were on an island and could only have three things which three things would you have?

Family food and football ? but foreal.

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

I would say it is kind of in my dna. My dad grew up playing football, and then coached for 20 years and both of my older brothers grew up playing as well. For me, it was something I wanted to do from the youngest age I could play.  

9.What do you do for fun?

I like to be outdoors. I like going on hikes, shooting hoops, swimming, etc. 

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

The team that picks me up will get somebody that is all into their process. My commitment, and love for the game and the respect I give to everything that goes into being a complete player and teammate. 

11.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

When thinking about most of my challenges in life, I have never looked at them as negative but more as opportunities for growth. I have lived a blessed life, and haven’t had to go through things (that many might consider challenges) that some of my teammates have experienced. But I have been through challenging times; broken bones, loss, etc. But one that comes to mind was my transition to Louisiana Tech. Moving across the country to pursue my dreams. It seemed like an easy thing until I was there all alone. I had to grow up instantly. I wasn’t close to home and didn’t have any friends at that point. All this while learning a new system and going to school. But like I said it forced me to grow and turn into the man that I am. 

12.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?

Sometimes I feel like it could be called Groundhog Day. But really it would be called Family Matters! Because that is really what it is all about whether it be in sports or in real life.