Senior Bowl 2019 Interview – OT Andre Dillard

Andre Dillard – OT (Washington State)

Measurables:  Hgt:  6’ 4 ⅞”    Wgt:  310 lbs.  Hand:  9 ⅝”     Arm:  34”         Wing:  80 ⅛“

PROFILE: 

SUMMARY: Four-year letter winner…appeared in 42 games, starting final 39 games at left tackle…two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection…earned All-America honors and All-Pac-12 First Team accolades as a senior…earned bachelor’s degree in social science.

SENIOR (2018): Named to SI.com All-American Second Team and Associated Press All-America Third Team…named to All-Pac-12 Conference First Team…started all 13 games at left tackle…rated third-best offensive tackle in the country, the top pass-blocking tackle and second best screen-blocking tackle in the country by ProFootballFocus College…allowed just one sack on 677 pass attempts.

JUNIOR (2017): Named All-Pac-12 Conference honorable mention…started all 13 games at left tackle.
SOPHOMORE (2016): Named to All-Pac-12 Second Team by Pro Football Focus…started all 13 games at left tackle.
REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2015): Played in three games on season, all at left tackle.

REDSHIRT (2014): Redshirt season.
PERSONAL: Attended Woodinville High School in Woodinville, Wash … His father, Mitch, was an offensive lineman for the Cougars in the late 1980’s.

On who he felt was the toughest defensive lineman that has had to face

Tak McKinley (UCLA), my sophomore year. That was my first year as a starter. That dude is just such a phenomenal player. He’s got the highest motor I’ve ever seen. Strong, fast, like just BIG! He’s got everything a D-lineman needs. Nobody has ever come close to him.

On what advice he may have gotten from coaches and other players about going through this process leading up to the draft

Just be myself, really. At the end of the day just do my best and always believe in myself. You know, just showcase what I can do.

On whether there was anything in particular that he hopes to showcase to the scouts during Senior Bowl week

I really want to show my run game. I have been working on it for a little while now – since after the season. Show them that I can bring more to the table than just pass protection.

On coming from a pass-heavy passing program at Washington State where he had to have strong pass protection skills and whether he feels that gives guys like him an edge over a lot of other offensive tackles since the NFL is such a pass-heavy league

Yeah, I think it gives us a little advantage in that regard. A lot of NFL teams pass a lot. It’s kinda one of those things that’s harder to master than say run blocking is. It takes a lot more patience in technique and a little bit of finesse here and there. But yeah, I do think it gives me a little edge on that.

On what he feels he will bring to a team from the “locker room/leadership” standpoint

I just bring a guy that’s there ready to work, there to play ball, always willing to learn. Determined to get better every single day – just a coachable guy – an athletic guy.

On what it will be like to culminate his college career and where the Washington State helmet one final time in the Senior Bowl game

It will be a great moment for sure – a special time. Kinda say goodbye to wearing the “Coug” football gear. But I’ll be happy to represent it. So, it should be a good time.