2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tye Freeland, DB, College of William and Mary

• Name: Tye Freeland 
• Position: Free Safety DB
• College: College of William and Mary
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 191
• Twitter: TFree_3
• Instagram: TFree_3

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

The first thing I would say is my speed for sure, then my versatility comes into play from playing in the post, and also to coming down and playing in the slot as a nickelback on anybody’s best slot man. My physicality I like to get hands on a lot. Can also play in the box if coach wanted me too.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was always interested and liked football but never really knew what sport I wanted to pursue. I was just a fast kid running around the neighborhood always active playing football in the street or field then eventually got into it about 5th or 6th grade I actually got on a team and started playing

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I would want them to know that I’m Humble, I embrace the grind football is my sanctuary my safe place. I’m laid back don’t really talk a lot but I really just be observing everything and everybody around me taking things in.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

The cause I would donate to is (SIDS) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, I lost one of my older sisters “Paulette T. Grant”on December 31, 1996 to this she was only 4 months old. I never got to meet her or for her to see the success that I have gained so far for our family, So this is the cause I would donate to

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Best advice I was given was “Fall in love with the process and the results will follow#3Ps”. My DB coach Rasi Dowling told me that. Meaning  everything I do whether its on the field, off the field, school, jobs, working out fall in love with it and it will show up in the long run. The 3Ps stand for Positive attitude, Preparation and Physical Effort. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

Childhood Hero I would say Spiderman I used to have the mask, gloves that used to spit out webs. I used to run from wall to wall like I was him making sounds and things.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Most underrated player I would say is my boy Brayden Staib he plays Linebacker, smart guy knows the game, physical type, old school linebacker in my opinion he works hard on and off the field he works to pay for school and every time he gets in the game he makes a play or has his nose around the football.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is somebody thinking they’re exactly right when we both know there wrong and they steady trying to fight there case.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

I been facing adversity my whole life with my height but I would say the hardest was dealing when Covid first hit while being in the transfer portal not knowing if I was going to be able to find another school or if they were going to accept me because of Covid. Going from two great schools blowing me saying they want me and etc. to them rewarding another senior another year and ending up at William and Mary I feel like was the best option for me.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

I would say its just the bonds and different scenery for me. Transferring from a HBCU thats in the city and is open with locals to a public research University is just different feel as though I been at 2 Top Institution’s there is.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My Favorite snack has to be Doritos whether is Nacho Cheese, Spicy Nacho or Spicy Sweet Chili.

What is the best part of football? 

Best part of football I would say is the the traveling you get to go to many states you never even thought about going, whether its by bus or plane. You eat good, people show a lot of love, great laughs and memories. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

I’m eager and driven, I love difficult or challenging task to see if I can step up to the plate or overcome challenges.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

I would compare myself to Budda Baker just because we’re similar in height and Fearless, physical and love to hit. Can also line up in the slot or can roll down in the box and  play.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would definitely have to pick my sister who passed away for sure just so that we can get to know each other, I would also say Kobe Bryant because of his game and work ethic, lastly Jay Z just because I feel as though I can relate to when he talked about overcoming failure and achieving success