2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler Silverstrand, OL, Judson University

• Name: Tyler Silverstrand
• Position: Center/Guard 
• College: Judson University 
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 317
• Twitter: @TSilverstrand64

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

I’m a true interior offensive lineman. I can play both guard and center. I have filmed at all five positions. I am a hard worker and I focus on getting better each day. I use both strength and technique to beat the defense.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

About 6 or 7, football is huge in Nebraska, especially in small towns like Raymond where I’m from. The whole town goes to local high school games and the town really supports the team. I knew I wanted to be a part of that environment growing up. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I can play all over the offensive line. I’m a hard worker and I focus on working on the negative aspects of my game to make them positive. Outside of football, I stick to myself, I don’t drink or go out and party, and I can fill the role that I am asked to do. Plus I’m in great shape I’ve been blessed to have great trainers in Lincoln where I’m from coach Daniel Greyson and Coach Jamie Belt  have helped me get ready for the next level 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Autism Speaks or the Special Olympics. I have a brother with autism and he’s my best friend. I would gladly help children with autism like him and anyone like-minded for the same cause.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“No magic just hard work “  it’s the motto of my wrestling coach growing up, Roger Parker. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My Mom Carol and my father Marty. Without them, I could not have gotten this far. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

 Jay Callentine, he works hard every day and doesn’t complain. He puts his all into everything he does, he’s a team captain, and he leads the team both on and off the field.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When someone asks you where you want to eat, then you pick and they don’t want to go there. .

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Doug Glasshoff, he was my coach and math teacher in high school. He really took time to make sure his students learned what we needed to be successful and was a good person overall.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Realizing that some of the choices in my past hurt my family and one the ones I cared about and how I continue to better myself and work to make them proud. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

We have a 10-year NFL veteran as a head coach. His name is Coach Quintin Demps and what makes him special is that he shows us how to be a leader on and off the field, he holds our team accountable and is building our program up the right way. We have a great offensive coordinator, Coach Jessie Booton, plus one of the guys I played with for three years and am proud to say is one of my closest friends, Kevin Lopez.  Also, my Oline trainer, Coach Kevin Sabo at F.I.S.T Football Academy, which is 15 minutes away from school so I have great coaches close by who want me to succeed and help in any way they can.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Whataburger for sure. We don’t have any in Chicago or back home in Nebraska, but it’s my favorite fast-food place. 

What is your degree in?

I graduated Judson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I work to get better every day.  

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I don’t compare myself to anyone in the league because I’m not where they are yet. But I watch films of the great O-lineman in the league from the past and present. The Larry Allens and Trent Williams’, and see what works for them and I try to add that to my game. 

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

It’s not a carnival game, but by Judson there is an arcade 10 minutes away and it has the old arcade game NFL Blitz. It’s super fun because you can body slam players after the play and the ball catches on fire.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My Grandparents  Weldon and Edna Johnson. They both passed away some time ago and I miss them. I’m blessed to have had them in my life as long as I did. The other person would be Burt Reynolds because of the film Smokey and the Bandit which is one of my favorite movies. I’ve always loved the 1977 black Trans AM and that is one of my favorite cars.