Diamond in the Rough: OT Ryan Jostes

Ryan Jostes is a three-star offensive tackle for the Washington Blue Jays in Washington, Missouri. The 6’6” 280lbs lineman uses his body to get in the opponent’s way and bullies them in the direction he chooses. The senior will not stop irritating his opponent until the whistle has finally blown. This run-dominant lineman is fantastic at breaking into the second level and helping the running back find holes they need to get a huge gain. Ryan is committed to playing at Missouri next year in 2024.

I had a chance to interview Ryan recently:

Q: When did you start playing football?

“I started actually playing football in 7th grade, but played flag football for a couple years before that.”

Q: What are your hobbies off of the football field?

“I love to watch football, college or NFL, and I also like go out to eat.”

Q: What is your favorite football memory?

“There’s not really one specific memory that I can choose from. Everyday playing football is amazing and I am excited to play at the next level.”

Q: Have you always played offensive line in football?

“This is the first year I am playing truely only offensive tackle, I’ve always played tight end, and tackle. Both positions are great, but I love playing tackle.”

Q: What is your favorite part of being an offensive lineman?

“Getting an opportunity to move people where they don’t want to go.”

Q: What are your biggest strengths on the football field?

“I am big, aggressive, and always give 100% effort.”

Q: What have you worked on over the offseason to improve your game?

“I’ve worked on gaining mass by getting stronger in the weight room.”

Q: What have you learned about yourself while playing football?

“I am very passionate about the game and the people around me on this team.”

Q: Besides football, do you play any other sports?

“Growing up I played all kind of sports, but in high school I’ve played basketball and football. My junior year I decided to just focus on football and spent my free time working out and practicing technique.”

Q: What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?

“It has to be getting an opportunity to play division one football, and continue my football career.”

Q: What is your personal goal for the season?

“Leave the season knowing I did everything I could to be the best of my capability.”

Q: Who would you say your biggest role model is?

“I would say my grandpa is my biggest role model. He has a great character, great beliefs, and was successful at football playing at Mizzou and professionally. Since I was little, I’ve looked up to him.”

Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?

“Pulling my hamstring over the summer and missing some team things while recovering.”

Q: What do you think you still need to improve on throughout the remainder of this season?

“Small technical things, with moving to a different position and a different offense I still have things to perfect.”

Q: Are there any current NFL or college players that you like to study their film or model your game after?

“Javon Foster from Mizzou. I love to watch him play because of how successful he is at the position I will be playing.”

Q: How important is technique and footwork to you?

“It is very important to me. I’ve spent a lot of time during the off season working on that.”

Q: Do you Prefer run blocking or pass blocking more?

“Run blocking. There’s nothing better than getting a great block with your running back behind you.”

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

“They would describe me as very large and mean on the football field.”

Q: How was the recuiting process for you?

“It went very well. It started my sophomore year, picked up a whole lot my junior year. The experience was awesome.”

Q: What made you want to choose Missouri?

“Growing up it was a huge ambition of mine to play at Missouri. Seeing my name already around the school and facilities, because of my grandpa, made me realize how much I want to be there. And then meeting the Coaches and Staff really sealed the deal for me.”

Q: What is something you want your college coaches to know about you for the next upcoming year?

“I want to be great, and I will be great.”

Q: What is one thing you are looking forward to playing football at the next level?

“Especially with me graduating early, getting the opportunity to use the things offered at the next level to get better as an athlete is one of the things I am very excited for. I think it will be awesome to see what I can do.”