Tyson Graham Jr. is a South Dakota safety not afraid to come downhill and mix it up. He's my #3 ranked Safety in this FCS class. He has natural size and ability to play Strong Safety in the NFL. I got to sit him down and ask him a few questions.
TS: Do you have any Nicknames that your friends or teammates call you?
TGJ: Some people call me T.Graham. Another nickname is 50.
TS: Is there a reason for the 50 nickname?
TGJ: Lol well my first name Tyson. And there's this "rapper" who calls himself 50 Tyson so they kinda just gave me the name 50 off that.
TS: Nice. I like it. Is there anything special behind your jersey number or no?
TGJ:Yeah, my freshman year I was number 10. Once I made the transition over to safety, I changed over to #8. #8 in the bible represents a "New Beginning". So, ever since then, I've been rocking with that number. It's a special number to me. I even have it tatted on my arm.
TS: That's awesome. Love it when a jersey number has serious meaning like that. Is there any current pro you like to model your game after? Or who's style do you consider most similar to your own?
TGJ: I kinda like to model my game after Kam Chancellor and Sean Taylor. Those are my two favorite safeties. Both very physical players and not afraid to come down in the box and lay the wood. Sean Taylor was on another level, he was one of a kind. I think many safeties, even in the NFL mold their game after Sean T. He paved the way for a lot of guys.
TS: I agree with you there, and I can definitely see Some Bam Bam Kam in your game. So the new craze both in the NFL and at the collegiate level is the Money Backer, Big Safety "position". That hybrid safety/linebacker spot like Arizona's Buchannon. Do you feel like that is a position you could play?
TGJ: I definitely do. I feel as though I'm physical enough and able to enough to do so. I think with my frame it'll be easier to put on about 15-20 pounds which will help against those big backs you'll be going up against in the league.
The only difference would be you're reaction time is going to be much quicker especially at the LB position. You just have to read and react. But I definitely I'll be able to show great production at the position.
TS: Once again, I agree with you. I think you could transition pretty easily. Im sure there would be a learning curve, but I think you could excell. Speaking of big backs, who's been the toughest guy to bring down that you've matched up with?
TGJ: Gotta go with David Johnson from UNI who's now with the Arizona Cardinals. At 6'2 230 you can only imagine.
TS: I think there are a few guys in the NFL who could validate that. What's something most people don't know about you?
TGJ: Eh, all throughout high school I was about 5'8 maybe 5'9 and just sprouted. Wasn't very muscular either.
TS: So, you were just a late bloomer. I'm sure South Dakota is okay with that. So who is your favorite NFL team?
TGJ: They definitely are. Washington Redskins...I would say majority of the reason had to do with Sean Taylor. But I was still a redskins fan even before Sean T came over back when it was Clinton Portis, Shawn Springs, London Fletcher..etc. I'm still a fan til this day.
TS:I feel like the 'Skins truly embody the Under dog mentality. What's one motto that you live by?
TGJ: Yes sir they do. "Low Life Lifestyle"..It stands for Lack of Worries..It was started by some football players at WVU, and the movement has grown tremendously. And after reading the story behind it I purchased a wrist band and actually started living it. Making positive choices every day and not allow worries or anything to consume my life. I mean it's not easy, but it takes a big commitment. I never take that band off.
TS: That's amazing. It sounds very beneficial. I'll have to do some more research. We're getting close to wrapping up, anything special to throw out to your fans?
TGJ: I'm the Madden king! Lol
TS: I'm assuming you play with the Redskins. If I got you a TS4 shirt, would you wear it for a picture? And If you were a small school guy looking to get a little exposure, who would you hit up?
TGJ: I play with anyone. And I certainly would. I'd hit up Tyrant Scouting for sure.