2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler Bost, LB, Maryville College (TN)

• Name: Tyler Bost
• Position: LB
• College: Maryville College-Tennessee
• Height: 6’ 0”
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Twitter: @tylerbost3
• Instagram: @tyler.bost55

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

I’ve actually played football since I was 4 years old. It was my first love and especially now it gives me the opportunity to compete at a high level, better myself both mentally and physically, and gives me connections that will last me a lifetime.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m excited to play with my teammates one more time, I have 2 more years of eligibility but for most of the guys in my class this is the last time I’ll ever get to play with them. We’re a damn good group and I’m looking forward to competing for a conference title this year with them.

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

My mom has inspired me the most throughout my life. She is the hardest worker I know and has always been there to support me through everything I’ve gone through.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Maryville?

I love playing for my coaches here at Maryville. They’re always striving for my success and would do anything for me. I would say the same about my teammates too. Most of them have become some of my best friends that I would do anything for. Maryville has become a home to me that I love playing for.

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

I would probably choose Blake Martinez when he played for the Packers. I loved watching him be a tackling machine for them and I see myself and the way I play a lot in him. I would talk to him about his career and what it took to get to where he was.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love running a 4-3. It allows for every gap to be accounted for in the run game but also allows the backers to easily drop into their zones to defend the pass once they read the play. Having four down lineman gives a good pass rush giving the quarterback little time to make a play which allows the defensive backs the best opportunity to cover their zones as well. I also like this scheme to run blitzes out of because of the many different movements a coordinator can create out of it to confuse the offense.

What should we know about Tyler Bost the person?

I would say I’m an extremely hard worker. I pride myself on always doing what needs to be done and putting in the work to get there. I would also say I’m a compassionate person. I love those around me and I’m grateful for my friends and family that have been here to support me.

What stands out about your film the most?

I would say my run defense. I react fast to what the offense is running and can fly downhill to turn a 5-yard gain into a 1 to 2-yard gain if not a tackle for a loss. I’m also good at using my hands to get off blocks so I can play multiple gaps at a time and not waste myself playing only one gap.

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

I’ll start by looking at the challenge itself and seeing if it’s something I can handle on my own or not. If I can I’ll look for the solution or what I can improve on to take on the challenge and deal with it. If it’s too big for me to handle alone I’ll look to my teammates or those close to me and ask for their advice or actual help taking on the challenge.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone who is determined to make an impact on the team and help them be successful. I’ll do whatever the coach is asking me to do to make me or the team better.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the opportunity it’s giving me to become who I am today. Like I said earlier I’ve played since I was 4 years old. It has shaped me into who I am today and given me some of the best friends I’ll have my whole life. On top of that in my opinion it’s the greatest game on this planet and I still get the opportunity to train for it and play it every day.

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

Honestly, it’s not one player but most of the guys on my team now. They’re all insanely good athletes just maybe an inch too short, 10 pounds too small, or less than half a second too slow. Playing Division 3 has shown me that we’re still college athletes just missing a small quirk to get to the next level. If you want a specific player I would say Devon White. He plays weak-side linebacker next to me and ever since I’ve played with him I haven’t had to worry about that side of the ball or him making a wrong call. He’s always where he needs to be to make a play next to me.