Tariq Bitson
Wide Receiver / Adams State
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)
Tariq Bitson: I weigh in at 203 to 205. I’m 6’2 and my 40 time is a 4.5, but I’m trying to get it down to a high 4.4 or a low 4.5.
Ed Hunt: What has happened to your training due to the COVID 19?
Tariq Bitson: The only thing that has changed is that I’m not going to a facility, but I have an in-home weight set. I run a mile every day and I have cones. I also run 100s and 200s. I just haven’t gotten into a facility to lift actual free weights.
Ed Hunt: What are the expectations for the Adams State Grizzlies team in 2020?
Tariq Bitson: The expectation is winning the RMAC championship. I think we just need to buy into the system.
Ed Hunt: What is the biggest strength of the Grizzlies team in 2020?
Tariq Bitson: I think right now our biggest strength is having a lot of seniors returning this year.
Ed Hunt: What schools were interested in you out of high school?
Tariq Bitson: Missouri, OU, TU, Oklahoma State, K-State, Texas Tech, Stanford, and that’s about it.
Ed Hunt: What made you pick Oklahoma State out of high school?
Tariq Bitson: Well, it was not too far from home and seeing some of the receivers like Dez Bryant, James Washington and Justin Blackmon. I just wanted to continue that great legacy of receivers.
Ed Hunt: What made you transfer to Northeast Oklahoma?
Tariq Bitson: Things didn’t go as planned, so going to a junior college would help me go to another D1-AA.
Ed Hunt: What made you want to go to Adams State?
Tariq Bitson: I think it was the relationship. The relationship that coach Blankenship made and was straight forward about everything.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest sport outside of football?
Tariq Bitson: Basketball for sure!
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in that sport?
Tariq Bitson: In high school, I was able to get my team to the state championship. We didn’t win it, but we got there a couple of times.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths (on the football field)?
Tariq Bitson: I think my football IQ is one of them. Then being able to be physical at the point of attack and being a team player is also an advantage. Just being able to talk to me and having the same success.
Ed Hunt: What are your weaknesses?
Tariq Bitson: Probably my route running. As far as running my routes, I need to be more polished. Put more sticks on my route. As a receiver, you can always enhance your ball catching ability. That’s what it comes down to, being able to catch the ball.
Ed Hunt: What was the highlight of your career?
Tariq Bitson: Has been this past season. It has been a personal best. If you told me the things that happened before the season, I probably would have told you I don’t know if that’s going to happen.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?
Tariq Bitson: My biggest accomplishment in college is being named second-team all-American. I also broke an NCAA record for yards receiving per game. I was also a top 36 candidate for the Division II Heisman, and I think I made it to the top 20.
Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Tariq Bitson: The biggest thing I’ve learned from my coaching staff is being a man on and off the field and having faith in your abilities and having a short-term memory.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Tariq Bitson: The Denver Broncos. I had always liked the Broncos since Jake Plummer. Now I live in Colorado and play there.
Ed Hunt: Who is an NFL player you model your game after or watch tape on?
Tariq Bitson: Definitely, DeAndre Hopkins. I’ll watch him any down time I have and just seeing things he does.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a wide receiver?
Tariq Bitson: I think the most important trait is definitely having to catch the ball. It’s kind of a natural thing. It’s something you can either do or not do. You can be taught to run better routes or get off the line of scrimmage.
Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in the defense?
Tariq Bitson: I’m definitely looking how my corner is playing me. I look at the safety and see what play he is doing, and sometimes look at the linebacker and think what releases to use and where the ball might be going to.
Ed Hunt: What players from your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season whether it be seniors or underclassmen?
Tariq Bitson: We have a nice d-lineman named Alu Taito, a nice offensive lineman Aleki Tapa, our secondary is going to be pretty good and we have a linebacker named Elijah Tuli.
Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?
Tariq Bitson: I really don’t know players, but the best team with the best secondary was Fort Lewis.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Tariq Bitson: I enjoy being able to go out there and express myself and the life lessons that it teaches you and the adversity. Learning everyone’s story and everyone’s background. Everyone is different.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Tariq Bitson: I think what makes me unique is being able to turn small plays into big plays. I think my aggressiveness when the ball is in the air and my football IQ is pretty unique as well.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Tariq Bitson: Well, one of my hobbies is to paint and play some video games here and there. I also like to read.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career?
Tariq Bitson: I would definitely like to open up my own business. I’d like to be able to assist people with their technology. That’s something I’d like to do.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Tariq Bitson: Trustworthy, accountable, caring, hard-working, and determined.
