2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Austin Bray, TE, Youngstown State

• Name: Austin Bray
• Position: Tight End
• College: Youngstown State 
• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 255
• Twitter: _austinbray
• Instagram: _austinbray

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

I believe my Football IQ and size measure up well to other TE prospects, as well as my experience with several different offenses through my career. I am able to adapt to any system where I am needed whether that’s as a blocker, a pass catcher or a true TE. 

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

Last year was supposed to be my final season, and I had never had a major injury in college. I broke my hand week 3 and needed surgery. So I knew I’d be out until the last week of the season. Deciding to redshirt knowing it was supposed be my last year was tough, but I attacked recover as best I could and am just thankful to have another opportunity with Youngstown this year 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I enjoy playing other sports like basketball, golf, pickleball. 

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

I see myself as a true TE role. An in line blocker with the ability to leak out with a diverse route tree and stretch the defense up the seam 

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

I would donate to an autism research foundation 

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

I take it as constructive criticism and an opportunity to get better. Being coached hard is a privilege and it means they care about you and know you can become better. The goal is to take the coaching and never make the same mistake twice. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I’m going to say Da’Shawn Whatley. He’s a phenomenal person and great running back, does all the little things right. 

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

Michael Jordan, Jake Butt, and Adam Sandler. 

Jordan because he’s the GOAT and id want to pick his brain about mentality. Jake Butt because he’s the guy who I watched that made me want to be a TE. Adam Sandler is just there because he’s a funny guy I think wed need some good comedic relief. 

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

For a reason other than injury, I cannot think of one. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

In the morning I like to text everyone that’s supporting me that I love them and I like to watch College Gameday or whatever games are going on to get the competitive juices flowing. On the way to the stadium I like to listen to music, mostly rap but sometimes I’ll mix it up. When we get to the stadium I sit in my locker for a few minutes and review the call sheet, then get taped, finally get some stretching in and get loose before our warmup clock starts. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

I love myself some buffalo chicken dip. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

A pro style offense, being in line with the ability to split out, and I love to block gap scheme. 

What is your degree in? 

I graduated with a degree in financial management and am currently in my Masters of Business Administration 

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

I’d go out to a nice steak dinner 

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

My sophomore year we had 2 signals that similar and I got them mixed up and pulled out of the game for running the wrong play. I bounced back by just being a dominant blocker the rest of the game and ensuring I made no more mental errors. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

90210, Forgot about DRE, All Falls Down