2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Simon Vinson, TE, Indiana Wesleyan University

- Name: Simon Vinson
- Position: TE
- College: Indiana Wesleyan University
- Height: 6′ 3″
- Weight: 245 lbs
- X: @simonvinson41
- Instagram: @simonv_123
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I grew up loving all sports, but football was definitely my favorite. It was what I was the best at, and my high school had a really good program at the time, so it was really a no brainer.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
My most favorite memory would have to be my junior year in high school scoring 21 points in the last quarter to come back and win the regional championship. Scoring my first touchdown my freshmen year at IWU is a close second though.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My dad inspires me the most and has had the biggest influence on my life. He coached me in basketball all the way from 3rd grade up until my last game as a senior in high school. He has been my biggest male role model.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
I love more than anything just being a part of a team and being able to have and build really close relationships with everybody in the program. Nothing compares to times just sitting in the locker room.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
I would have to go with George Kittle, just seems like a very interesting dude who I could also learn a lot from.
What are your favorite things about playing football for Indiana Wesleyan?
My favorite thing about playing at IWU has definitely been the culture of the program and also winning a ton of football games. From top to bottom it is full of great people.
What should we know about Simon Vinson the person?
I am a guy that is easy to get along with and who gets along well with almost everyone. I am a hard worker and someone who will do whatever it takes to get the job done. I am someone who finishes what I start.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
My favorite offensive scheme is definitely more air raid style. I like explosive plays and I feel like a pass heavy team has many more opportunities for big plays. I specifically also like schemes where I am able to be on the move and lead block or block in space on the perimeter.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I handle all my challenges very similarly both on and off the field. I always analyze the problem and what needs to be done to fix it. At the end of the day with all problems I face, I recognize how blessed I am to be in the position I am in and that I am thankful to have the problems that I have because I understand that I could have it much worse.
What would a team get in a player like you?
They would get someone who shows up no matter what and a person that they wouldn’t have to worry about from an all-in effort standpoint. They would also get a great locker room guy who is able to get along with almost anybody.
What stands out about your film the most?
Probably my speed at my size as well as my bursting out of breaks in the top of my routes. I also have very consistent hands.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
I could name so many, but the absolute most underrated would probably have to be our slot receiver Braxton Myers. He is 6’2” 210lbs and had an injury that kept him out of a few games last year so no one is talking about him, but they should be.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen
