2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ty James, WR, Mercer University

• Name: Ty James
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 200 lbs
• School: Mercer University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southern Conference
• Twitter: wr_james
• Instagram: wr_james

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?

I am a communication major with a minor in business administration but outside of football, I have no other engagements.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

My best quality would be my leadership, I can properly lead without overdoing it or demoralizing my teammates. I am a Wide Receiver that also makes an impact on all four major phases of special teams.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

In my junior year, I played against Kool-Aid, the cornerback from Alabama.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

John Thomas impresses me the most.

What makes you different from others in your position? 

I am a great blocker as well as a guy that can run any route and play with a different level of aggressiveness.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

My 9th-grade year I was benched and buried in the depth chart at tight end because my coach did not feel I was going to be talented enough to be an outside receiver.  

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Track and Field, high jump specifically.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

My first All-American achievement was a great reward that was able to help me realize how far I had come.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

My sophomore year touchdown against a ranked Furman team late in the game was able to help us pull off the upset.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Being born in Baltimore, the Ravens have always been my favorite team however my favorite athlete has always been Calvin Johnson. I would say I model my game after Devante Adams and Keenan Allen, great route runners who can create special plays with the ball in their hands.

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

I usually watch a lot of Steve Smith’s old tapes. The passion he plays with is something I try to replicate a lot. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

In my spare time I spend a lot of time with God and just being outside. I’m also a big fan of film so I watch a lot of movies.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I play football because it is what I love, whether it is NFL, XFL, or USFL, I would play football because that is what I am passionate about. My parents motivate me with just their work ethic and sacrifices alone. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you?

I am a guy who is never going to stop working, I have never had it easy and I don’t expect anything to come easy. I’m willing to put in all the work that it takes to be the best player I can be.