2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Toby Sanderson, C, Central Arkansas

• Name: Toby Sanderson
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 298 lbs
• Position: Center
• College: University of Central Arkansas
• Twitter: @Tjsanderson53

What is your major/minor? During your collegiate experience, have you participated in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I have now graduated with a BS in Exercise Science and a minor in Business Management. I am pursuing a masters in Nutrition starting in the fall of 2020.  Other than football I have participated in a Christian ministry group on campus called Chi Alpha.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
As the Center I see myself as a major leader on the team whether that is with the offensive line, the offense as a unit, or with the team as a whole. My job is to get everyone involved in the blocking scheme on the same page at the same time.  Center requires a special skill set, and I believe I have worked to gain that skill set over the past four and a half years. So I think center in any kind of offense best fits me.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I have played against is Lukas Termin, defensive lineman at the University of Incarnate Word. He was somewhat of an unorthodox DT, but he fought like crazy and would not stop until the whistle which helped him hold his own at his size.

Throughout your career, which one of your teammates has impressed you the most?
I think Robert Rochell has impressed me the most in our four and a half years together. He has grown so much both as a player and a man. He fought hard to put himself in the position he is in today and will be a huge pickup for any NFL team in 2021.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I came to the University of Central Arkansas as a walk-on who had not played a down at the center position for at least two and half years. At my first fall camp practice, the starting center had a pretty significant injury which placed me in a role as the backup center early on. It was challenging to overcome the struggles of playing a new position at a whole new level against some of the best DTs in the country that year who were on our team.  That was also the last fall that two-a-days would be legal in the NCAA, so between all of these things, I had a lot to overcome, but I worked to improve as a center and earned a scholarship the following year.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I think I would play soccer if I did not play football. I played until I was about 12 years old and two of my other brothers played as well, so we were always around it and I enjoyed the game.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievements have been earning my degree this past year and getting it all paid for by earning a scholarship after my first year of college.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable play was against McNeese in 2018. I did not get a knockdown block, but we called an inside run and I was one-on-one with a zero nose. I got some good drive on the nose removing him from the A-gap and my running back, Carlos Blackman, scored from about 30 yards or so.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite player has to be Jason Kelce, center for the Philadelphia Eagles. I grew up an Eagles fan, but I started watching him a lot when film on the Eagles’ offense was shared with me a few years ago. I would say I model my game off of Jason Kelce and the Pouncey brothers.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist has to be J. Cole right now, but I like a lot of different kinds of music. I usually use music to get me pumped before games. I try to put together a good playlist before each season.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is probably Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Pebbles.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie is Invincible, and my favorite actor is either Dwayne Johnson or Mark Wahlberg.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like to play Xbox with my brothers and friends, but I also enjoy working out by myself. A hidden talent of mine is being able to solve a Rubik’s Cube.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My parents and family motivate me the most. They have always been incredibly supportive of me and push me to do my best in everything.