2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: CJ Kiss, TE, Notre Dame College (OH)
- Name: CJ Kiss
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 240
- Position: Tight End
- College: Notre Dame College
- Twitter: Cjkiss17
- Instagram: cj.kiss
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
Being a student is something I have always taken seriously my entire life. My mom and stepmother are both teachers, so they made sure I always kept academics a priority. Along with them, my major is also education with a minor in history.
What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
I’d like to say my best quality is that I lead by example. I’m not always the most vocal person, but I try to make sure I am doing the right thing to set an example for everyone else.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I know that I am a leader on our team and I have to set the tone every day for us. Some days that may mean I am getting the ball a lot, or other days I have to be a great blocker. My best skill set is that I am versatile with what I can do. I can be split out at receiver, in line blocking, or in the backfield.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Michael Ayers
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Isaiah Murphy, our quarterback, impresses me on and off the field. Watching him throw and catching the ball from him is effortless, and he makes playing football a lot of fun. Off the field I know that I can rely on him for anything that I need as well.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Going into high school I blew out my elbow, and at the time I played quarterback. I missed my entire freshman year and when I came back my sophomore year my arm just wasn’t the same. I thought about quitting football because I felt like I didn’t have a reason to play if I couldn’t be at my best. At the end of my sophomore year I switched to playing tight end and receiver, and I realized I could be really good at that. I continued to work at being the best I could and fell in love with the position.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would have played baseball. I played baseball until the end of my sophomore year of high school and it was always something that I just found to be a lot of fun.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
This last year I was an honorable mention All-American, which was something I had always worked to become. In high school, I never received any awards, and it motivated me to become a better player.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my favorite plays in college thus far was my first college touchdown. It was a night game in Wheeling my redshirt freshman year, and I knew I was wide open in the end zone. When I saw the ball in the air, I knew there was no way I wasn’t coming down with it.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Travis Kelce
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Yeat
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chipotle
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Criminal Minds
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
Just this year I picked up golfing and realized I could be pretty good at it.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football for a couple reasons. One, I find peace whether I’m on the field practicing with the team, or there by myself working out. I also do it for my family, because I know they are proud of me and I want to be great to show that all of their sacrifices will pay off one day.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.