Tyler Westphal (June 15, 2007), ranked #155

 
N2FL:  At what age did you start playing football?
 
T.W.:  6 years old
 
N2FL:  When and who was your first scholarship offer?
 
T.W.:  1st offer was in December from Virginia
 
N2FL:  How many scholarship offers do you currently have?
 
T.W.:  8
 
N2FL:  What was your favorite college team growing up?
 
T.W.:  Wisconsin, Notre Dame
 
N2FL:  Favorite NFL Team?
 
T.W.:  Packers
 
N2FL:  Do you try and idolize any specific player?
 
T.W.:  Brett Favre
 
N2FL:  Any particular reason for the jersey number?
 
T.W.:  My cousin Ben Loth had it and I told him I'd keep it in the family.
 
N2FL:  You originally committed to Virginia and then changed your mind in favor of Wisconsin. Why the switch and what was it about the Badgers that ultimately sold you on them?
 
T.W.:  Well the main reason I chose the Badgers was pretty much because with me growing up in Wisconsin, you always dream of playing for the Badgers and if you get the chance I think you should take it. I like UVA a lot but it's the Badgers.
 
N2FL:  Why did you decide to end the process and commit so relatively early?
 
T.W.:  I wanted to end it because I really just wanted to know where I was going. Both my dad and I thought it would be a good idea. I didn't care how many offers I got so there was really no reason to wait when I knew what I wanted to do.
 
N2FL:  What were some of the considerations when choosing your school?
 
T.W.:  Well Wisconsin is close to home but I looked at the program and their weight room. Wisconsin has a great lifting program with J.D. (John Dettmann, Director of Strength and Conditioning) and their coaches are doing great things.
 
N2FL:  What position would you prefer to play in college? Who is recruiting you to play where?
 
T.W.:  I want to play DE but I'll play wherever UW wants me. UVA wanted me to play TE or OLB, all the other colleges wanted me to play DE.
 
N2FL:  Are there any schools who continue to recruit you despite your commitment?
 
T.W.:  Florida and N.C. State
 
N2FL:  Who was your lead recruiter at Wisconsin?
 
T.W.:  Coach (Bob) Bostad
 
N2FL:  Despite your pledge to the Badgers, will you take any "official visits" anywhere else?
 
T.W.:  No
 
N2FL:  What are some of your playing strengths?
 
T.W.:  I'd say my speed rush and the way I play the run.
 
N2FL:  What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?
 
T.W.:  I want to work on taking on a base block and put more weight on.
 
N2FL:  How do you feel about Redshirting?
 
T.W.:  I think it's good because you get to get used to everything, not only football but school and learn to balance your time. If they asked me to play I would obviously do it, that'd be good to.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a major in mind?
 
T.W.:  I don't know yet but something to do with sports. I really want to coach after playing.
 
N2FL:  What are your goals for your senior season?
 
T.W.:  Ii want to win a FVA title and go to the playoffs and would love for our team to go to state.
 
N2FL:  What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far?
 
T.W.:  Nothing too crazy, you just get a lot of the same stuff like this is the most important decision of your life and all that good stuff.
 
N2FL:  Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending the same school?
 
T.W.:  I talk a lot to Marcus Cromartie and Pete Konz. I've been trying to get one of my buddies that I meet on my visit to UVA, Mike Glennon to come, but I don't know.
 
N2FL:  Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
 
T.W.:  My dad. He's always done whatever he could to get me to camps and taught me everything I know about football.