2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cole Hissong, TE/WR, The College of Wooster

• Name: Cole Hissong
• Position: TE/WR
• College: The College of Wooster
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Twitter: @cole_hissong
• Instagram: @colehissong

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

I had started playing when I was 7 and it was something I always just enjoyed doing, and it gave me an opportunity to be around my friends and compete. However, for most of my life, it had taken a backseat to baseball. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school when I decided I wanted to keep playing and pursue a college football career. I had a great senior season that ended on a bad note, so I felt like I had a lot more to give to the game and a lot of room for growth and development as a player, and that I hadn’t really come close to touching my ceiling yet. I had a great support system that encouraged me to follow my heart and that led me to a great career as a Tight End at The College of Wooster.

What are your favorite moments from your football career?

Most of my favorite moments from my career are from college. I will always cherish the game day experience at Wooster with my teammates, singing our fight song after big wins and lining the hill to the storm the field right before kickoff. There are a lot of big plays and moments in games that stick out in my head, but the experiences and memories that make Wooster Football so special to all the players and thousands of alumni are my favorite.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

My goal is to play at the highest caliber that I know I am capable of achieving. Ultimately, I want to prove that I will be a valuable asset to any team and coach that takes a chance on me, and help that team win a championship.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who would it be and why?

I would want to hang out with George Kittle because he’s a primary example of how you should live life and play the game of football; with energy, passion, and enthusiasm, all while being grateful for the privilege to play the game. This is someone who I tried to emulate as a tight end in college not only through emotion but also by play style. George is physical and aggressive both as a blocker and a route runner, and he is a primary target in a loaded offense, because he is always available.

Which one of your family members inspire you the most and why?

Both of my parents inspire me the most because they’ve made so many sacrifices throughout my life to ensure my success. There is never a time where they put their own needs above my own and my goal is to always make them proud with everything I do.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite scheme to watch is the triple option, because of the timing and precision it takes to be effective. However, as a receiver, I love the spread because of the variety of ways I am able to line up and manipulate defenders either with pre snap motion or adjustment of alignment. Additionally, the spread provides me with good matchups in the slot and a variety of routes to run that play to my skillset.

What should we know about Cole Hissong as a person?

You should know that I am a leader and a learner. I never am satisfied with the knowledge that I have schematically or physically. I am always searching for ways to improve my game in the film room, in the playbook, or on the field. I lead by example through my effort and ability to be coachable, and also by the way I prepare. However, although I take football seriously and am willing to do whatever it takes to win, I play because I love the game and I have fun doing what I love. I am blessed to play this game and I appreciate all it has done for me. As a person I am just grateful for all of the opportunities this game has provided me with.

What stands out about your film the most?

I believe my versatility as a WR/Hybrid TE stands out the most. I have a unique skillset where I can consistently win one on one against a DB or find a window against zone, but also line up inside the box and take care of business against the front seven. Being a successful blocker not only on the interior but also the perimeter, requires physicality and aggression, which is something that I also carry over into route running as well and has helped me succeed as a wideout.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Everyone responds to adversity differently, but being successful in the face of adversity requires the support of those around you, which is how I face challenges in life and on the field. If I’m struggling personally, I know I can always lean on loved ones for support and guidance. If I’m facing adversity on the field, I know my teammates have my back and I got theirs, because that’s what the game is. It’s 11 on 11 for a reason, because at any given time you make a mistake or something didn’t go your way, there are 10 other guys that are there to pick you up and bounce back. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum, and there will never be a time when there’s someone in my life that I care about, especially a loved one or a teammate, that I will hang to dry.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team that takes a chance on me would be getting a selfless player who is willing to do what it takes to win. I have contributed in a variety of roles because I am willing to do what it takes for the benefit of the team. I am a leader on and off the field, and I am never satisfied with where I’m at as a person or player. They would be getting a versatile athlete that can line up in a variety of spots on offense, be reliable as a blocker and get open on the outside.

What do you love most about the game of football?

The thing I love most about the game of football are the relationships and the people that it brings into your life. It unites you with likeminded individuals who share common goals and know what it takes to win as a team. I’ve met a lot of great people who wouldn’t be in my life if it weren’t for football.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with is Matt Ulishney, who played at Wooster with me for four years. He was a four year starter at DB and was the hardest hitter on our defense. Matt challenged me every day in practice and made me a better football player. He always did what was best for the team, flipping back and forth from corner and safety multiple times, and was always one of the hardest workers in the room. He is also an Academic All-American, and our first player with 100 tackles in a season in almost a decade.