2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyson Hergott, DE, University of Waterloo

- Name: Tyson Hergott
- Position: DE
- College: University of Waterloo
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 255lbs
- Instagram: @tysonhergott
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
I am a top prospect in my position because of my athleticism relative to my size and strength. As my film shows, I make plays from sideline to sideline and impact plays all over the field using my quickness and frame.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I wasn’t introduced to football until grade 9, when I started playing at my high school. From the first day of contact practices, I knew that playing football was what I wanted to do professionally.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
NFL teams should know that there is no other DL in my class with my work ethic, as I refuse to be outworked. I am obsessed with the game and obsessed with perfecting my craft, which will translate well to the next level of football.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause, it would be the SickKids Foundation. This foundation supports The Hospital for Sick Children, located in Toronto, Ontario. Many members of my family have visited this extraordinary hospital, and I would love to support the foundation.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is ‘nobody cares, work harder’. This is a saying made popular at the University of Waterloo by our OC Coach Conway, and something I frequently remind myself of.
Who was your childhood hero?
My childhood hero growing up was, no doubt, my Dad. He always demonstrated how to work hard and that doing so would surely take you to your dreams, goals, and aspirations. There is no one in the world that I respect more than him.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
The most underrated player in my locker room is OL Daniel Dove. Dove is obsessed with perfecting his game and uses his length and impressive strength well to his advantage. Although he is young, I would not be surprised to hear his name called in the first round of his CFL draft.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when people don’t put in the necessary amount of work or effort into the things they do. I am a firm believer that if you are going to do something, do it 110%, and when people don’t put in the work to enable themselves to become better, I find it extremely frustrating.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
The hardest moment to overcome for me personally was the injury I suffered in 2021. I suffered a ruptured Achilles and was unsure how my career was going to be impacted. I had never been exposed to injury prior to this, and it was a real eye-opener, as well as a humbling experience. Although this was one of the hardest times of my life, it gave me a new perspective and amplified my love for the game after my 2021 season was stolen from me. I believe that this injury allowed me to be a much better player and person than I ever would have been without it.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
The University of Waterloo is one of the best academic schools in Canada. Well being an athlete and receiving great coaching, we also receive an exceptional education which makes me very proud to attend the University of Waterloo as a student-athlete.
What is your favorite snack food?
My favorite snack food is popcorn. Simple and classic.
What is the best part of football?
The best part of football is the level of competition. It is one of the only areas in life where you are free to be a true competitor and compete all game with the guy lined up across from you. I crave this aspect of the game, and it drives my work ethic.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I am a playmaker with the size, strength, and athleticism to play at the next level.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
I would compare my play to Nick Bosa. I feel that my play style is similar to his with respect to his combination of speed and power. Bosa is able to rush finesse moves all game but also has the size and strength to work power moves. I feel that I also possess these high-quality traits and use them in my game.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with three people dead or alive, my first choice would be Ray Lewis. Growing up, I Idolized Ray for his ability on the field but also his ability to inspire others to be great. I feel that he is one of the NFL’s great leaders, and I have always tried to model myself off of this. Secondly, I would choose Tom Brady. Although I have never cheered for Tom Brady, I would be very interested to hear the kind of mental hard work and extreme preparation that it takes to be one of the NFL greats. Finally, I would choose my grandfather. He was a man that lived in the moment and had a great life perspective, which I would love to learn more about.

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