2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tylar Wiltz, LB, University of Pittsburgh

• Name: Tylar Wiltz
• Position: LB
• College: University of Pittsburgh
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 217
• Twitter: @tylarwiltz
• Instagram: @Angryjoe_

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

My relentless effort and speed to the ball. I feel as though the actions I execute, such as effort and agility, can’t be coached. The coaches that have been placed in my life have provided me with assistance in my progression as a football player. I have been blessed to have been given the opportunity to play at a higher level and showcase my skills and talent.

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

At the age of 5, I found football to be exciting and amusing. My dad has been a football coach all my life and is currently coaching at the high school I graduated from. I grew up being around football and my love for the game grew in me.

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

I am dedicated, and committed and will do whatever I must for the success of the team. I find great pride in getting all tasks completed to the best of my ability.

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

Helping to better my community with the hopes of branching out to others. It is something that I’ve always been interested in. My brother, Kylar, who I look up to goes home at least twice a year and hosts community events hoping to bring the community together for future generations because they do matter. In order to make a change in the world, we must work on making changes one place at a time.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I have received was from Travin Dural. He graduated from Breaux Bridge Senior High just like myself. He went on to play college football at Louisiana State (LSU) and fulfilled the dream that every college football player has. He was blessed to sign and play for the New Orleans Saints. I worked out with him. These were his words to me, “Work had in the off-season, so it’s easy during the season.” These words stuck with me throughout my entire journey, and for that, I am grateful for him. That is the quote I live by to this day.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My dad is my childhood hero. No matter what obstacle he faces, he always seems to overcome it and comes out on the other side a better man. From not missing any of my football games, basketball games, or school events while still managing to take care of my siblings as well he is somewhat like a superhero. I would not be in the place I am I right now without him.

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

The most underrated teammate in my locker room I would have to say is Sirvocea Dennis. As hard as he works and the plays he makes are incredible. He is honestly one of the best linebackers in the nation and honestly is not recognized enough for it.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is people who are gifted and do not work hard.

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

The hardest time in my life was going through junior college. From being 9 hours away from my family in Independence, Kansas knowing everything that was on the line was insane. Through hard work, prayers, and perseverance anything is possible.

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

I am appreciative for every school I have attended. That includes Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Independence Community College, Missouri State University (MSU), and the University of Pittsburgh (UP). They each play a vital role in making me the player and person I am today. They each gave me the opportunity to display my skills and talents and I am forever appreciative of them.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food would be fruit snack, which I recently became fond of.

What is the best part of football? 

The best part about football is the feeling when walking out onto the field on a Saturday knowing how I have prepared and worked hard and now it is time to shine and put on a show.

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

I’m a hard worker, fearless and someone who is not afraid of a difficult challenge.

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

Devin White has been my favorite player since his collegiate years. The way he runs the ball and does whatever must be done to win. His presence on a football field is always known.

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

My aunt, Abby Ann Wiltz, passed a few months ago. I wish I could have told her goodbye and had one more conversation with her. She is one of the reasons I work so hard every day. My grandparents, Joseph Wiltz and Clarisse Roberts, on my dad’s side, would be the second and third person I would like to have dinner with. I did not have the opportunity to meet them. I would have loved to have a conversation with them.