2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Collins, DB, University of Toronto

• Name: Ryan Collins
• Position: DB/LB
• College: University of Toronto
• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 235
• Instagram: ryanco11ins_

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

My versatility. I have a great mix of size, speed, and strength that allows me to line up and excel in many different positions. 

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

I’m a quick learner and like to pick up on every detail I can use to help myself improve in any way possible.

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

McMaster Children’s Hospital is local to me, it is one of the leaders in pediatric medicine, and donating money to them would allow more opportunities for research and treatment to help sick children locally and globally. 

Who was your childhood hero?

Both of my parents taught me what it is to be an adult, and just get things done when they have to be done, without complaining or making a bigger deal than it has to be.

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

Owen Cassie, was third in the OUA in tackles as a safety in 2022 and was a huge leader on defence in his first year starting, and didn’t receive any awards. He was injured in our fourth game in 2023 and was out for the rest of the season, so he may fly under people’s radar, but he shouldn’t because he’s a gamer, and a great leader. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who talk about what they’re going to or want to do and don’t put any action behind it.

Who is your favourite teacher ever?

Mr. Welsh, in seventh grade, was the first male teacher I had, and he was another role model to me. He played Division 1 basketball and was the school basketball coach. He was able to train us properly and teach us about what it takes to be a winner, which started with morning workouts and after-school practices for our basketball team. 

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

Moving to Toronto for school, was the first time living on my own and I was starting the next level of schooling, and at this time COVID was at its peak, so it was often very lonely and hard to stay motivated, but I tried to enjoy what I could and found a way to push through. 

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

Pizza Hut. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies.

What is your degree in?

Kinesiology. 

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

• My grandma was one of the smartest people I’ve known and always found a way to make me see new perspectives.
• Joe Rogan, a great conversationalist and always inquiring with his podcast guests.
• Kobe Bryant, the hardest working athlete ever, and built himself to be one of the greatest of all time. 

What is your biggest weakness?

I tend to overthink which can get me out of my flow state and cause a lot of nervousness to build up. However, this is something I’ve been working on by reading books like The Mental Edge and practicing the techniques recommended, like visualization and meditation.