2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nolan Quinlan, TE, University of Louisiana-Monroe

• Name: Nolan Quinlan
• Position: TE
• College: University of Louisiana-Monroe
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 244 lbs
• X (Twitter): @nolanquinlan1
• Instagram: @nolan_quinlan

What made you decide wanted to be a football player?

I knew that I was a football player when I was in 4th grade. I love to compete and I learned all of the hard work that takes to win. Building relationships with teammates and coaches pushed me to be the best that I can be. The competitive nature to be the best that I can be has drove me to pursue my football career.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of favorite moments from my football life started in high school and have stretched until my last college football game. Winning my high school championship led me to understand what mindset it takes to win. In college, I learned it will take much more than skill to win games. I loved being viewed as an underdog in almost every game of my college career. Seeing hard work pay off on the football field will always be a favorite memory for me.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Going forward, I am looking to further my career as a football player to the highest level that I am able to. I have not been fortunate enough to be apart of many winning teams in my career and I still have things to prove to people. I want to show people what I am capable of and whatever opportunities I am able to prove myself, I will.

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

I would love an opportunity to hang out with Rob Gronkowski. I would love to pick his brain on how he was able to achieve all of the great things that he has. He has been dominant throughout his whole college and NFL career and it would he awesome to gain some knowledge of the game from him.

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

I am not able to pick just one of my family members as both of my parents inspire me the most. They gave me the opportunity to attend many different showcases and have always pushed me to be the best version of myself. They inspire me to never let anyone I know to give up on their dreams and to always push yourself.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite offensive scheme is 12 personnel packages. Having 2 tight ends on the field allows an offense to gain run block support but also create mismatches in the secondary. In a spread offense using 2 tight ends I would love to be able to be in the slot running routes and having more space to work.

What should we know about Nolan Quinlan the person?

I am a trustworthy, dependable, and hard working person. I will never back down to a challenge that is in front of me. I pride myself on doing the little things right because I know that in order to achieve the end goal, the small things need to get done first.

What stands out about your film the most?

The thing that stands out in my film the most is that I am a very reliable target. I am able to catch the contested balls that are thrown my way and my effort and attitude has been consistent all year long and that is shown on film. I have also made many key blocks to help the running back make cuts behind me and I not only love to catch the football but I love to make an impact in the running game.

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

I like to handle challenges head on. Challenges on the football field correlates to the way that life creates challenges. I am always composed and I have learned to create ways to defeat the challenges that are brought upon me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team will get everything out of me. I will always be hungry to get better and put myself and the team in the best situation possible. I understand the game of football and I will do whatever is asked of me in order for the team to be successful. I am a receiving threat and a mismatch for linebackers while still being a solid run blocker.

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

The thing that I love most about the game of football is the competitiveness. I love competition whether it is on the practice field or in a game. Competition creates the best version of each player on the field. Having the opportunity to show all of the hard work that I put in during the offseason is the best feeling.

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

The most underrated player that I have played with is my teammate this past season, Tyrone Howell. He is the best receiver I have had the opportunity to share the field with and has made some of the best plays that I have seen. The production as a whole offense was not great this past year but if scouts put on the film they will see the big plays he is capable of making at the next level.