2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tye Niekamp, ILB, Illinois State University

• Name: Tye Niekamp
• Position: ILB
• College: Illinois State
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 240 lbs.
• Twitter: @NiekampTye
• Instagram: @tyeniekamp 

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

The competitive nature I play the game with. Wanting to win every play, series and game. 

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

I faced adversity my sophomore season playing with a pulled hamstring and cast on my right hand. I faced it by understanding how to play with those injuries and how not to let the injuries affect my play. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

Video games, fishing and golfing. 

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

Any role that is needed, special teams or linebacker. 

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

Special Olympics 

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I handle coaching well, I grew up in a coaching family and my parents taught me well on how to handle criticism and coaching. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Mason Kaplan and Anthony Corona 

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

Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Bear Bryant. The stories they would have about football would be awesome to listen to. 

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

We are up 50 at halftime

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I walk the field, then stretch, after that I go in to the locker room listen to some music and change into pads. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Peanut butter crackers 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

3-4 is what we play at Illinois state, but I am confident playing in any type of defensive scheme. 

What is your degree in? 

Sports Management 

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

I would invest my first check 

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

My first ever start was my first game. The first drive I screwed up 2 checks. Went to the sideline got yelled at, took some deep breaths, and got rid of the nerves and finished the game of playing really well. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

Any country music.