2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyson Schilling, WR, East Texas A&M (Transfer Portal)

• Name: Tyson Schilling
• Position: WR
• College: East Texas A&M (Transfer Portal) 
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 188
• Twitter: @tyschilling2020
• Instagram: tyson.schilling

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect at my position in the 2026 NFL Draft is a combination of elite production, physical tools, and football IQ. I’ve proven I can make plays against top competition, and I bring a consistent work ethic to develop every aspect of my game — from route running and release packages to blocking and special teams. I’m explosive, reliable, and coachable. Off the field, I carry myself like a pro and understand how to lead. I’m not just chasing a roster spot — I’m preparing to be a difference-maker on Sundays.

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m built for the long run, mentally and physically. No matter the situation, I stay locked in, I elevate the guys around me, and I never let comfort kill progress. I’m not just here to make it, I’m here to leave a mark.

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be cancer research. Too many people have had their lives changed or cut short by it — family, friends, teammates. Supporting cancer research means helping find better treatments, earlier detection, and ultimately a cure. It’s bigger than football, it’s about giving more people a chance to keep living their lives.

Who was your role model? 

Growing up my role model was my father. Seeing how he was able to maneuver and manage life while going through so many different challenges and changes just inspired me. My mom was just as big of a role model as well. Seeing how they work together and raise me to view life a certain way I will always be thankful for. They instilled the passion in me for love, dedication, work ethic, and learning.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Minnesota Vikings. growing up is a Minnesota fan. That’s the only team that I ever truly cared for. Through the ups and downs I’ve always stuck with them through everything and I always loved watching them. Going to the games and learning the Vikings way. My family grew up as die hard fans as well. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Koby King. He’s one of my best friends there for a reason. We connected because of our hard work ethic and love for the game. The way that he approaches everything and goes 110% no matter the drill on or off the field, I’ve always appreciated. I think that’s something that drew us to each other and made us close friends is that we saw the game from the same viewpoint. The way that he handles business and it does not get appreciated enough or looked at as much as he does should be acknowledged.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Complaining when you get something you’ve always wanted! I can’t stand when people have big dreams and aspirations, but don’t appreciate the hard work and dedication that comes with it. When things get hard you cannot give up, that is just what turns you into the person you are and molds you. I always appreciate the little things, especially the things that you’ve dreamed of, but with them there is going to be more than meets the eye. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

His name is Mr. Mguire and he teaches over at Cretin-Derham Hall high school. He was a teacher that always made me enjoy going to class. If he was somebody that inspired everybody and shared happiness and dedication no matter what. I truly never met a teacher who had such a big impact on me mentally. I felt like I found a new way to learn and enjoy class while also applying the information that he taught to real world ideas.

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

When I broke my hand this season. I broke my hand on the second day of fall camp when tensions had gotten high, not being the smartest person. The reason this was such a hard thing to overcome is because not only did I put myself in a bad position, but my team. It was something I had to think upon for days, weeks, all the long nights and days of not being able to be out there with my team. And this was all because of something that I did like myself. By going through this there was so much emotion and things that I had to cope with and learn about myself. I had so much responsibility as a leader, and I felt like I had just thrown all of that away. This formed me to have a new understanding for the game and my teammates as well. I worked like I never worked before to come back, and I finished off the season playing with the guys that mattered to me. I truly feel like this moment changed me and helped me develop as a man to understand my emotions.

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

100,000% chipotle. I love the convenience of it as well as the flavor and design. Not only do I get all the perfect nutrients that I need in a meal, but damn does it taste good. If I could get that every day, I’m pretty sure I would.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Nothing can ever be a nice hot bowl of popcorn. No matter watching a late-night movie or watching some film, popcorn was always a great comfort food.

What is your degree in? 

I graduated from East Texas A&M with a degree in general studies. I now look to pursue my master’s degree and get my MBA in business.

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

My close friend who passed away named Da’Qwan, LeBron James, and my father. Now this may sound like a random lineup. But it has a deeper meaning. Da’Qwan, who passed away in 2019, didn’t get to see the rest of my life play out. He’s had such an influence on my life and love for the game all because of losing him. Then having LeBron James there, would be somebody who is a legend in the game and knows exactly what it takes to succeed. I also think he’s a great person and would love to hear and pick his brain. Lastly, having my father there. The reason I want my father there is because to me he is one of the smartest people I know, and I think that by having all of us there together, it would be some amazing conversation. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

Overworking. I have an obsession with chasing greatness and sometimes that can be bad. Whether that’s feeling like I constantly need to put the work in and not enjoying the moment I feel like sometimes it can be a weakness. I think that sometimes it is okay to appreciate where my feet are in the current moment and be okay with it and acknowledge it. But I have always just been such a hard worker that I’m always looking to achieve more and look onto my next step.