2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Connor Hulstein, TE, Marist University

• Name: Connor Hulstein
• Position: TE
• College: Marist University
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 242 lbs
• X: @connorhulstein
• Instagram: @connorhulstein

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

I’ve always enjoyed all sorts of sports and competition. I think what drew me to football was the physicality that is so important to the game. It requires so much hard work and a wide variety of skill sets and tactics that make it a unique sport to play. Everyone is blessed with certain talents and I want to make sure I use the gifts and talents that God gave me as best I can for Him.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

There has been so many great times I’ve had through football. Some of the most fun times have just been making memories with my teammates off the field. When I was younger my brother and I would go out and throw the ball to each other or play with some friends and that was a memorable time for me. In more recent years, scoring the game winner against Harvard my junior year stands out alongside a few others. It was my first game back from an injury and I got the opportunity to be a part of an exciting moment as we took down our rival who was undefeated at the time.

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

My wife. She’s a constant beam of light and support in my life. Her love for our son and I as well as her consistent pursuit of Jesus inspire me everyday. She finds a way to be joyful and positive through anything, and she has a heart of gold that inspires me to do all things as best I can as onto God and not for man.

What are you looking to achieve in the rest of your season?

I’m looking to help turn this team around back to a winning record. Personally, I’m also looking to show that I have what it takes to play at the next level.

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

I’d love to hang out with George Kittle. He’s an all around great tight end, both in the run game and the pass game, and someone who I think I could learn a lot from. Football aside too, he seems like the type of guy that would be cool to hang out and have some fun with.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Marist?

I enjoy the team bond that we share. Despite only being here for this one season, I have made some great friends and have really enjoyed my time with them. Getting to play for coaches that recruited me from other schools out of high school as well as reuniting with my former tight ends coach from Princeton has been a fantastic experience so far as well. I’m proud of the work that we’ve put in as a team, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity we have to show that on the tape.

What should we know about Connor Hulstein the person?

Firstly, I think it’s important that anyone reading this knows that the most important thing in my life is that I am a servant of Jesus Christ and that He has blessed me tremendously opportunities such as to play football. Other than that, it’s been a lifelong dream for me to play at the highest level of football. Since my wife and I had a baby this March, that dream has only gotten stronger, and not only for my personal goals now, but as an opportunity to provide for my family while fulfilling my dreams.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

I really like gap schemes. I think watching a perfectly executed G/Y counter is an awesome sight to see. It’s pure physical football, and getting to go out and show what you’re made of makes it an exciting scheme for me. In the pass game, I’m a big fan of Y cross. It’s good against any coverage and it gives good match ups. For instance, getting to put a big guy on a smaller defender in order to go up and get the ball out of the air, or putting a faster tight end on a linebacker to win in space. I really enjoy that.

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

I try to trust God and lean on Him with big challenges in my life. He’s the rock of my life. On the field and in life too, I think it’s most efficient to attack challenges head on. Just like in football, in life it’s better to be the hammer and not the nail in most cases. If I can rise up and overcome a challenge proactively, it gives me momentum to keep moving forward and to accomplish my goals.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Aside from hard work, consistency, and giving my all, as I think is expected of all high level athletes, I try to be a positive influence in the locker room as well as a versatile skillset on the field. Physically, a team would get a big, reliable and explosive player that can execute in all different areas of the game. I’m a dependable player that provides a mismatch in the pass game and toughness in the run game. Overall, I pride myself in being coachable and doing whatever it takes to help the team win in whatever role I’m given.

What stands out about your film the most?

I’d say my athletic ability at my size is what most stands out about my film. Being able to move well in the pass game and run smooth routes in order to get open or with the ball in your hands while still being a bigger guy so that I can be a tough blocker in the run game and in pass pro is something that is important to me and something I strive to continue to get better at daily.

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

I’d have to say Jalen Geer, a WR from Princeton. He’s a big, very athletic guy and he’s a good football player. He’s had various small injuries here and there with unfortunate timing, but a freak athlete nonetheless. I’m excited to see him play this year. Wishing him a great season.