2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tommy Larson, DE, Madonna University

• Name: Tommy Larson 
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 255
• Position: Defensive End/EDGE/Special Teams 
• College: Madonna University, Saginaw Valley State, and Michigan State
• Twitter: @tdot8697
• Instagram: tommylarson624

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?
My experience as a student was great at every school I attended. I maintained a 3.5 GPA at all institutions. I studied and completed my bachelor’s in criminal justice, with a minor in Psychology. My experience as a student varied with each school. I had a mix of every environment, which molded me into the student and person I am today. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a single part of my journey. I made a lot of great relationships and gathered a lot of football experience and knowledge. 

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
My teammates would acknowledge my attention to detail and non-stop work on the field. After every practice I was doing some type of exercise or drill to better my game and excel on the field. My teammates would also highlight my ability to lead and work with others. I was a captain this past season, and my influence on others did not go unnoticed. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a leader and a coachable player who can adapt to anything that is thrown my way. I have been complimented and seen as an elite pass rusher who can get after the quarterback on third and long. The position that suits my skill set is an EDGE or Defensive End. My natural ability to rush the passer is my strong suit, but I can also stop the run in any scheme that is brought to me.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I have ever played against in college was Lucas Doyle. He played for Indiana Wesleyan and was an All-American. He was a strong, fast, and versatile offensive tackle. One of the most respectable offensive linemen I have ever seen. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
The teammate that impresses me the most is Connor Cracchiolo. I played with him at Saginaw Valley, but his ability to play offensive line is incredible. Strong, fast, and elusive. He is also in this draft class, and I wish him nothing but the best.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
A time in my life when I was able to overcome a struggle was when I made the transition from the NCAA to NAIA. I was deemed ineligible in the NCAA during my time at Saginaw Valley, and to be precise, right before the season began. Due to transferring and the pandemic, it negatively affected my years left in the NCAA. There is more to the story that I could carry on for pages, but it was unfair and out of my control. It forced me to face adversity head on and work on a waiver to gain another year. When the waiver came back after 8 months of tedious work, it was denied, and it forced me to move my skills to the NAIA. It was a very difficult time that caused a lot of stress. I didn’t let this stop me. I knew I had to get back to work and show everyone and myself the kind of player I was over these past two seasons. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football, I would have played baseball. I was planning on attending a school for baseball in my senior year of high school. Football wasn’t even a thought. I attended zero football camps, and all my focus was on baseball at the time. I decided otherwise and the rest is history. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far? 
I am most proud of becoming a father this past June. At the time, it was scary, but I don’t know what I would do without him now. He changed my life for the better and I wouldn’t want it any other way. He is my biggest achievement so far. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I can remember in this one game when we desperately needed the ball back. We needed to score and there wasn’t much time. Something flipped in my head, and I knew what I needed to do. It was 2^nd and long, and I have never fired off the ball harder. I ended up sacking the quarterback and forcing a fumble that we recovered. Unfortunately, we didn’t end up scoring. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite professional team is the Detroit Lions. I am a Michigan native and always loved the Lions through and through. A player that I love to watch is Nick Bosa. He is a great inspiration to all defensive linemen. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist to listen to before games is Metallica. There is nothing better than Master of Puppets. Blood moving and ready to hit someone. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
I don’t normally eat any type of comfort food, but when I do it is usually pizza with a lot of toppings!

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I have a variety of favorite movies, but my all-time favorite actor is Mark Wahlberg.  

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time in the summers, I like to go for runs and work on my craft for football. In the winter, a hobby of mine is skiing. It is peaceful and a lot of fun once you start getting proficient at it. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because I have an indescribable love for it. It is something that puts a smile on my face no matter what situation I’m in. As soon as I put that helmet on, all the hardships of life seem to vanish for the time being. I have had several ‘whys’ throughout my career, but my main why now is my son, Izaiah. Playing for him makes it more rewarding and it means so much more to me now.