2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tahj Brighthaupt, OL, University of West Alabama

• Name: Tahj Brighthaupt
• Position: OL
• College: University of West Alabama
• Height: 6’7 1/4”
• Weight: 330 lbs
• X (Twitter): @bigtahj_
• Instagram: @bigtahj_

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

-From a young age I knew I was a competitor, I hate to lose, I love to compete, and I love to win. When I was younger I played basketball until 10th grade, I had friends who asked me to come to the football field to be on their team, because I was a big guy, and I could help them win. I became very aggressive and had this attitude that I could innocently attack, and get away with hitting people. Basketball was not the sport for that, so I switched to football for my last two years of high school. Football is a grind every day, it only works for those who work and sacrifice the most. Not playing for a year in college made me realize the true grind of the game, and how you have to give everything you have, even cheating a little bit of reps will put you so much behind. That’s why I decided to play the greatest sport in the world. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

-The three favorite moments of my football life started with winning the state championship at Miami Central High School, my graduation year,  beating the University of Miami in a huge upset when I played at FIU, and also beating West Florida last year when I attended West Alabama. All this winning made me cherish every moment of being on each individual team. I felt so happy and grateful to be a part of these teams, and we felt a sense of accomplishment for the hard work we put towards achieving the goal. I wouldn’t trade those wins, or teams for anything. 

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

-Going forward with my career I’d love to win a Super Bowl. I feel this accomplishment would be great because I can only imagine the hard work, and dedication as a team it takes to do this. I think as an offensive lineman that is the ultimate goal because there’s no Super Bowl-winning team that didn’t have a tough hard-working offensive line. 

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

There are quite a few, but definitely, two stick out the most at the moment for me. Number one is Trent Williams, because of how nasty, and relentless he plays the sport of football. I think the knowledge he gives can help me a lot, especially over the last couple of years with me becoming a more high-motor player. On top of that, I think his on-field swagger is unmatched for an offensive linemen, he makes us look good. Maxx Crosby is another player, because of how relentless he plays the game. I would love to compete against him because he never takes a playoff,  and I truly believe it would be fun. 

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

My mom inspires me because of the hard work she put into raising me (with help from my inspiring father). I know within my heart she made ample sacrifices to put me in the position I am in today. She just gets up and fights every day no matter what she goes through, or how much pain she is in. She is the true definition of a strong woman, I’m just honored to call her my mother. 

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

I love to play in zone schemes preferably outside. I pride myself on the outside zone, coming off the ball and creating a new line of scrimmage.  I also love to stun defenders with my strong punch at the point of attack. I think playing with active hands helps me play in the run and pass smoothly. I also can move to the guard position at the next level because of my greater than 7 feet wingspan, and  I’m very physical, and love contact. 

What should we know about Tahj Brighthaupt the person?

Tahj Brighthaupt the person is a man of God who takes care of his responsibilities. He is a self-criticizing, and responsible person who would give you his last if he was in the position. He values respect, and above all he works hard for everything he has, and is going to receive. 

What stands out about your film the most?

Other than my massive size I think the fact that I move very well. I have a good initial strike at the point of attack, and I love to use my hands so defenders can’t get their hands on me. I play low, and explosive in the pass game, and I show signs that I can play anywhere on the line. 

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

I handle all of my challenges in life by praying and asking God to give me the strength to get through it. In any sign of doubt, I ask my lord and savior to guide me. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

The team would get a good man who would uplift others around him. Even if I’m having a bad day no one will know because I’ll bring positive light. I also love to learn. After all, I am a student of the game, along with the fact that I am willing to teach people what I know because I always like to be a helping hand. I still watch films from my college West Alabama, and call the underclassmen to help them with their technique, and things that I had no one to tell me when I walked on as a freshman at FIU. 

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

I love the grind of the game. If you’re working hard, and doing the right thing it pays off. Tom Brady and Ray Lewis are some of the greats. They are proof that this game pays off with hard work and dedication.

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

I think it was Teair Tart when I was at FIU. Although he is a good player in the NFL today, coming out of college he was very underrated. Blocking him was a challenge, but it gave me grit and got me better to the point where we would have battles during my time playing the guard position. I think he could have easily been a first-round draft pick the way he played in college.