2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Collins, DB, University of Toronto
- Name: Ryan Collins
- Position: DB/LB
- College: University of Toronto
- Height: 6’6
- Weight: 235
- Instagram: the.ryancollins
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
My versatility. I have a great mix of size, speed, and strength that allows me to line up and excel in many different positions.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
Around 5 years old I started watching Hamilton Tiger-Cats games with my parents, who are huge fans of the team. I played unorganized games throughout my childhood and started playing for my high school team in grade 9.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I’m a quick learner and like to pick up every detail to help myself improve in any way possible.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
McMaster Children’s Hospital because it is local and helps many sick children, including some people that are close to me.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Live in the moment and enjoy what you’re doing no matter what it is.
Who was your childhood hero?
Both of my parents taught me what it is to be an adult, and just get things done when they have to be done, without complaining or making a bigger deal than it has to be.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Owen Cassie, was third in the OUA in tackles as a safety and was a huge leader on defense in his first year starting, and didn’t receive any awards.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who talk about what they’re going to or want to do and don’t put any action behind it.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Moving to Toronto for school, was the first time living on my own and I was starting the next level of schooling, and at this time covid was at its peak, so it was often very lonely and hard to stay motivated, but I tried to enjoy what I could and found a way to push through.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
It’s located in the heart of downtown Toronto, and we have a great family culture on the team where everyone has each other’s backs and we all support each other.
What is your favorite snack food?
Mom’s homemade cookies.
What is the best part of football?
The competition. It’s a game of matchups where if you beat your man, you will often be in a good position to make a play. And if the entire team is winning their matchups that team will end up on top.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I’m a great athlete with all the tools to perform at the next level.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Isaiah Simmons, a mix of DB and linebacker, someone who has the size to play in the box, but moves very well and can play outside.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- My grandma, she was one of the smartest people I’ve known and always found a way to make me see new perspectives.
- Joe Rogan, is a great conversationalist and always inquires with his podcast guests.
- Kobe Bryant, the hardest-working athlete ever, built himself to be one of the greatest of all time.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com