NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Steve Tate, S, Utah

TheFootballExpert.com:  What is your accurate height, weight and forty time?

Steve Tate:  5’ 11”, 200 lbs., 4.62

TheFootballExpert.com:  Describe your game in three words or less.

Steve Tate:  Blue Collared

TheFootballExpert.com:  What do you feel is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you feel you need to improve in?

Steve Tate:  I am a great tackler. I have led my team in tackles the last two years with 102, 103 respectively. I have a good football IQ and I play my best when I am in the box. I need to improve on my man to man coverage on a #2, slot receiver. My defense in college required me to cover the tight end. 

TheFootballExpert.com:  What NFL player do you do you think you compare favorably to? 

Steve Tate:  Eric Weddle.

TheFootballExpert.com:  How instrumental was Head Coach Whittingham in your progression?

Steve Tate:  Coach Whittingham recruited me in high school so he ultimately gave me a chance to play college football, but my position coach, Derrick Odum was the one who helped me the most in my progression. 

TheFootballExpert.com:  What have former college teammates now in the NFL told you about preparing for the league? 

Steve Tate:  They have told me to always look for an opportunity to get on the field, especially through special teams. Hard work is something one can always control.  They have told me that it’s a business and every play of every practice is being monitored.

TheFootballExpert.com:  When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy?

Steve Tate:  Probably diapers for my son and my “soon to be” daughter. Those things are expensive.  

TheFootballExpert.com:  How have you been preparing for the NFL Draft?

Steve Tate:  I have been spending a lot of time with my good friend Eric Weddle. He is helping me with the mental process and the work outs to be in great shape.

TheFootballExpert.com:  Do you have any goals in mind when it comes to the NFL Draft?

Steve Tate:  No, I just want a chance to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL.

TheFootballExpert.com:  What is the one thing you will most miss at college?

Steve Tate:  Being around my teammates.

TheFootballExpert.com:  Where is the best place to get a bite to eat in Salt Lake City?

Steve Tate:  Cafe Rio.

TheFootballExpert.com:  What was your favorite college course and why?

Steve Tate:  Current Economic Problems because it handled the political, social and economic issues of the entire world.

TheFootballExpert.com:  Any pregame rituals?  Food?  Music?

Steve Tate:  I have to drink 1 can of V8 the night before and one in the morning before the game. I have a pregame mix of Pearl Jam, and Offspring.

TheFootballExpert.com:  What is something football fans may not know about you?

Steve Tate:  I'm fluent in Spanish.

TheFootballExpert.com:  Do you read mock drafts or listen to what draft experts have to say?

Steve Tate:  No, I don’t have to because my Dad or my brother do it for me.

TheFootballExpert.com:  What was the last good movie you saw?

Steve Tate:  Green Street Hooligans.

TheFootballExpert.com:  What do you plan to do once your playing career is over?

Steve Tate:  Raise my family and become a financial advisor while coaching high school football.

TheFootballExpert.com:  Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and good luck!