2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Berta, OL, Queen’s University

• Name: Ryan Berta
• Position: Center / Guard
• College: Queen’s University
• Height: 6”3
• Weight: 305
• Instagram: Ryan Berta

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

My athleticism without a doubt includes my speed and strength mixed with a never-ending DOG mentality to always get after it, whether it’s my intent to learn or to physically impose my will onto someone, it will be done at any cost.

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

Football was my game from a very young age. I was intrigued by watching the superstars battle it out both in the NFL and the CFL. I started to tackle football in the HMFA, at the age of 11 and that’s when I became passionate about the sport, and that passion has only grown and developed.

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

That I was born for the trenches and don’t give up! My DOG mentality dominates whatever I do both on and off the field. I will give everything to reach my goals! I have the physical and mental strength to prepare myself because I know 90% of the work occurs off the field.  

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

It would be the Cystic Fibrosis Society because my cousin has gone through so much and many people are not aware of the excessive costs of treatment and procedures that families endure. Thanks to a double lung transplant, she is doing better.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

It was from someone very close to me who always told me nothing is going to be given to me and I must work to achieve it. I took that as a personal mission in my life to give my 100% towards everything and not to expect anything to be easy or free.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was Larry Christopher Allen, an Offensive lineman in the late 90’s throughout the early 2000s. Watching his work ethic, especially in the weight room drove me to play the same position and work to dominate in the weight room. The most impressive thing that stood out to me was his athleticism as even though he was huge, he was fast, having the ability to chase down LBs, especially in a famous interception he is remembered for.

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

The most underrated player in the Queen’s locker room would be my boy Zach Dodge, he gives it his all day in and day out. His time to produce on the field has not come yet but he is more than deserving of it, an absolute beast, and an overall great guy. I am honored to be a fellow member with Zach Dodge in the Queens University Offensive Line DOG POUND!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve would have to be people who don’t think they have to work hard, and everything will just be handed to them because of their skill or strength. I believe it doesn’t matter how good anyone is, you can always improve and work harder especially on the football field.

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

It would definitely be overcoming the education system. When I was younger, especially throughout my elementary and middle school, I struggled with ADD, making my ability to focus difficult but through hard work and finding strategies that worked for me, I was able to successfully finish high school with a very high average and carry that throughout my post-secondary years. My ADD is something that does not limit me but instead enhances a lot of things I do.

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

Queen’s University is so important to me, having played a huge role in my life both in the development of football and also as a man. Queen’s has guided me on the right path for the last four years through times of adversity and struggle making me stronger and better than ever. Also, as a huge history buff, I find it fascinating that Queen’s football has been around since 1882, well over a hundred years, making me think of all the men before me that gave their blood sweat, and tears for the betterment of the program. Queen’s football is bigger than just a team, it’s a Brotherhood!

What is your favorite snack food?

All day, every day, a cold cut sub, I could survive on those.

What is the best part of football?

The ability to physically impose your will onto others for 60 minutes and just let loose! Where else can this be done and not be illegal? The physicality and violence of football especially in the trenches just drive me nuts to want to be a part of it.

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

I am mentally tough and push myself to expand and develop in everything I do, as well as have the ability to build connections and relationships with the people around me.

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

I would like to say my childhood hero Larry Allen, as much of what he did, I try to replicate or build on whether it’s in the weight room or the crazy athleticism he showed on the field.

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

I would love to have dinner with Magnus Maximus, Josh Allen, and John Candy. Magnus Maximus is the real-life version of Maximus from the movie Gladiator to discuss how to improve my willpower because I am fascinated with history and believe we can learn from it. Josh Allen would be next because I love the Buffalo Bills along with hoping I could learn and develop from a conversation around the process of football and what it truly takes to be performing at his level. Lastly, John Candy because he performed in some great movies, and I feel like he would add hilarious input to the conversation.