2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Trace Hrgich, P, Grand Valley State

• Name: Trace Hrgich
• Position: Punter
• College: Grand Valley State
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 200
• Twitter: @tracehrgich03
• Instagram: @tracehrgich

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

My consistency with traditional punts and with also pinning teams inside their own 10 yard line.

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

I am a very coachable player on and off the field. If they ask me to do something, I will give it my 100% best to give them what they ask for.

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

Any charity about cancer.

Who was your role model?

Pat McAfee

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Chicago Bears

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Sean Byrd

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Slow walkers

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Murphy

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

In the 2024 Football season, I was injured almost halfway through the season, I wasn’t in the right mindset and went into a hole of overthinking everything. When I came back I was better but I still let in distractions instead of getting rid of them.

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

Chick Fila

What is your favorite snack food?

Barebell cookies and cream protein bar

What is your degree in?

Exercise Science

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

Ethan Evans because I would like to know how he dealt with being overlooked coming from a D2 school like myself. Daniel Carlson because he was first with the Vikings, missed 3 field goals against the Packers. Then he got cut, signed with the raiders and has been phenomenal since. I would love to ask him how he was able to come back stronger than he originally started off his career. Tress Way, he was similar to Daniel Carlson. Struggled with the bears, got cut then got signed to the Commanders and has been their punter for a while. Would love to ask him how getting cut made him an even better punter.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is taking no for an answer