2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler McLellan, OT, Campbell

• Name: Tyler McLellan
• Height: 6’7”
• Weight: 340 lbs.
• Position: OT
• College: Campbell University
• Twitter: tmclellan77
• Instagram: 77szn

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I graduated with a major in social work. As part of my major, I interned with a nonprofit organization called Family Promise. They assist with homelessness and emergency housing. I’ve also volunteered with an organization called DUMA which is a group of churches in the area that serve the community with food and financial assistance. I helped with their food pantry.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Dependability. No matter the situation or what’s going on, my teammates and coaches know that I’ll be there for them on and off the field. I’m a person that can be counted on.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve been part of the leadership council for the past 3 years. I expect to take more of a vocal role this upcoming season. I’ve mainly played on the right side of the line at tackle with very few snaps on the left side. Playing heavy outside zone and gap schemes are my cup of tea. Linemen tend to live by their ability to be physical and nasty, yet I feel that being smart and understanding position alignment helps set me apart.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Wake Forest DE Boogie Basham is by far the best talent I’ve ever faced. He’s very agile, has a quick twitch and takes advantage of weaknesses when he sees them.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Julian Hill has been a very impressive teammate. I’ve watched him grow so much over the years. He’s extremely detail-oriented, a great leader and captain, and someone whose example everyone tries to follow.

I also have to give a ton of credit to Brevin Allen. He’s the best edge rusher in our conference and has really helped me develop over the years. He’s relentless and has a great bend on the edge.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My true sophomore season, I was just coming off of being redshirted and had secured my spot as the starter on the OL. Our first day in full pads, one of our players got tossed into me injuring my knee which sidelined me for the season. I had to go through surgery, put my head down and battle through it. I struggled a bit, getting down and kinda letting myself go with my weight. As time went on, I eventually got healthy and back into shape. When I got back on the field the following season, I had a good year, being named 2nd Team All-Conference. I have the scar from my injury as a reminder that it can all be taken away at the blink of an eye, but I have continued to get better each and every season.  

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball was the first sport I loved growing up. I stopped playing before high school. I came to the realization that I had the opportunity to get a college scholarship playing football and obviously stuck with it.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of graduating. Being named 1st Team All-Conference was great. Knowing that I am the best OL in our conference is something that I am proud of.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Playing against Davidson during the 2019 season, we had a do or die scenario with about 2 minutes left in the game. That drive is something that I will always remember. Being down by 2 points, we were able to march down the field and get a field goal to secure the win.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Mitchell Schwartz was a player that recently retired from the Chiefs. I loved his mentality on the field. He was very smart and understood his assignment. He was very successful during the team’s Super Bowl run.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I usually like listening to artists like the Dave Matthews Band, Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers.

What is your favorite comfort food?
A big double burger with fries, hush puppies and an Oreo milkshake from Cook Out.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Office and Yellowstone are some of my favorite TV shows. Django Unchained is one of my favorite movies.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I have a PS5 which I enjoy playing. I also like dog training. Regarding secret talents, one thing that I was able to do during COVID was build my own computer.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Football has opened so many doors, and I appreciate all the relationships that I’ve made along the way. Also, the physicality of being a lineman. One of the best things is being able to dominate someone against their will, moving someone from point A to point B, and delivering the ultimate defeat.

My mom motivates me the most. She raised both me and my brother. She’s helped me in so many ways, and also made me realize the bigger picture in life. I hope to one day make her happy and get to the NFL.