2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler McDuffie, OL, Marshall University

• Name: Tyler McDuffie
• Position: OL
• College: Marshall University
• Height: 6′ 10″
• Weight: 335 lbs
• Instagram: @tydamanz

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

I actually started out focused on basketball. My junior year of high school, we were on the way to our state semifinal game, and our team took a tour of the school we were playing at. When we walked into the gym, some of the football coaches were playing pickup basketball. They saw me, pulled me aside, and told me I had the size and potential to change my life through football. That moment stuck with me. The next day I went to talk to my high school football coach, started playing, and I fell in love with the game.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my favorite moments are the relationships I’ve built with teammates and coaches over the years. Winning games is great, but honestly it’s the grind, the practices, the locker room, the camaraderie, and overcoming adversity together. Those are the moments that really stick with me. Football creates a lot of lifelong relationships, and that brotherhood is something I’ll always value.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

My goal is to play at the highest level possible and just keep getting better as a player and as a person. I want to show that I can contribute to a team, be someone my coaches and teammates can depend on, and make a positive impact both on and off the field.

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

I’d say Orlando Brown Jr. He’s a massive, physical left tackle known for his dominant run-blocking style and the way he uses his size and strength to overpower defenders. As a pass protector, he’s really strong in one-on-one situations and has continued to improve his efficiency over the years to become a consistent anchor on the offensive line. I respect the way he plays the position and the way he approaches the game.

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

My grandparents inspire me the most. They took me in when I was 12 and never missed a beat. They’ve always supported me and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Seeing the sacrifices they made and how much they believe in me motivates me every day to keep working and make them proud.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite offenses are ones that mix both zone and gap concepts. I like being in an offense where the offensive line can establish the run game and control the line of scrimmage. I really enjoy the physical part of the game, whether that’s moving defenders in the run game or protecting the quarterback in pass protection.

What should we know about Tyler McDuffie the person?

What you should know about Tyler McDuffie is that I’m someone who takes pride in hard work, discipline, and being a great teammate. I’m very coachable and always looking for ways to improve my game. I bring positive energy wherever I and spread to whoever is around and i am someone anyone can depend on. I’m also very family-oriented, and the people who supported me growing up motivate me to keep pushing and becoming the best version of myself.

What stands out about your film the most?

My ability to move for my size is one of the things that stands out the most on my film. I take pride in being able to move well in space while still bringing physicality to the position. I play hard through the whistle and try to dominate my assignment every snap.

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

I rely on faith, discipline, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Challenges are part of the journey, and I try to use them as motivation to keep improving. When things get tough, I take a deep breath, pray about it, put everything into God’s hands, and trust that he’ll work things out the way they’re supposed to.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player who’s dependable and very coachable. I take pride in being someone my coaches and teammates can trust to show up every day, work hard, and do my job. I’m always open to learning and taking coaching because I want to keep improving my game. I also bring physicality and effort every snap and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I really love the physicality of football. I enjoy the challenge of lining up across from someone and competing every snap, using my strength, technique, and effort to win my assignment. At the same time, I love the brotherhood that comes with the game. You go through long, hard days and nights of practice preparing for battle with your brothers, and that builds a real bond. Knowing the guy next to you is willing to put it all on the line for you, and you’re willing to do the same for him, is what makes the game so special.

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

One of the most underrated players I’ve played with is Wesley Graves. He was a bigger running back, but he was fast and could make people miss with his shake. He ran the ball really physical and was a playmaker for our offense. He was the type of teammate who showed up every day ready to work and always gave everything he had for the team.