Rising Stars: Tyler Sumler

Tyler Sumler is a upcoming young star, who currently plays Offensive Line for Westdale Middle School in Baton Rouge, LA. Check out our Q&A to get to know Tyler even better!

1. What inspired you to start playing football?
   • My dad played football and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. 
2. How long have you been playing football? 
   • I’ve been playing since I was 4, so about 9 years.
3. What position do you play on the team?
   • I play Offensive Line (Right Guard). I like to play Defensive Tackle. I think my positions are perfect for me.
4. Who is your role model in football and why?  
   • Trent Williams is my role model because he is a beast. Watching Trent Williams motivates me to be more aggressive when on the field.
5. How do you prepare for a game mentally and physically?  
   • I know in my mind that I have to do my best. I try to go hard in warm ups to simulate a full game experience. 
6. What is the most challenging aspect of playing football?
   • The most challenging thing about playing football is someone always depending on you. If I don’t do my job the right way then I feel like I am letting down the team.
7. What is the most rewarding aspect of playing football?
   • Football is most rewarding because it is fun and not everyone gets a chance to play. I feel blessed to be able to play the game I love.
8. Can you tell me about a particularly memorable game or moment in your football career?
   • The most memorable year was in 2017. This was my very first undefeated season and I won a championship. The feeling of joy and excitement has stuck with me forever.
9. How do you balance schoolwork and football practice?  
   • I do my schoolwork as soon as I get home, and as soon as I’m done it is time to go to football practice.
10. What advice would you give to a beginner just starting to play football?
    • It is okay to make mistakes and learn from them as a beginner in football. I made a bunch of mistakes when I first started playing football and this forced me to become a way better player. 
11. What are your goals for this season?
    • Some of my goals for the upcoming season is to make the HS football team, I want to start as a Freshman, and I want to get better everyday at my position. 
12. How does your team work together to achieve success?
    • My team works to achieve success by practicing hard and communicating. 
13. How do you handle the pressure of playing in a big game?
    • I like to pray and relax/focus when big games are coming up. I like to focus on the field in the big moments. 
14. What are your future plans for football (high school, college, etc)?
    • My main goal is to make it to the NFL. I want to go to college and graduate with my degree in orthopedic surgery. I would like a scholarship offer to go to college.
15. What is the most important lesson you have learned from playing football?
    • The most important lesson that I have learned from football is that it is OK to make mistakes, not only in football but in life. This is the same thing that I would tell the player who just began playing football.