Josh Doyle
Offensive Lineman
Eastern Illinois
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Josh Doyle: Height: 6’5, weight: 310, 40: 5.2.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Josh Doyle: Coming out of high school, I received interest from Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Ball State, North Dakota and Illinois State.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Northern Illinois?
Josh Doyle: I chose NIU because they were in constant contact with me since my sophomore year of high school and I was close with the recruiter. It was also 50 minutes from home.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Eastern Illinois?
Josh Doyle: My roommate/teammate Jareem Fleming transferred there in the summer and said he really liked it. When I told him, I was looking for somewhere to go, he talked to coach Dameron and I got the call the next day. I was grateful for a second chance.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Josh Doyle: My strengths are my toughness and aggression. I provide a fast hands fist fight mentality out on the edge. Also, my feet coming from the D-line. My feet are quicker for a big guy.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Josh Doyle: I want to work on my pass set. It’s one of the hardest crafts to master at my position.
Alex Khvatov: What was the transition like when you moved from the DL to
the OL?
Josh Doyle: The transition from DL to OL was not easy. In a sense, I had to learn the game completely backwards now. On the D-line, you are all gas going forward, and on the O-line you are playing backwards trying to stop penetration. However, with the help of the older offensive linemen and my coaches, I transitioned well.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Josh Doyle: My career was eventful to say the least. I started as a preferred walk on defensive tackle and moved to the offensive line. Not knowing much about it and nervous, I wasn’t going to be able to play it at the D-I level. Then I became a full scholarship two-year starter and a team leader. It’s something, I take a lot of pride in.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Josh Doyle: The highlight of my career was in 2017 when we went down to #5 in the nation Illinois State and upset them to win the Mid-American classic trophy on their homecoming. It was an atmosphere I’ll never forget.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Josh Doyle: I’m most proud of being awarded a full ride after earning a starting spot on the o-line. It was something I was very proud of getting through the transition.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Josh Doyle: I had a few different position coaches in my career, and each one taught me something new. My coaches, not only taught me how to be a better player, but a better man and for that I’m thankful.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Josh Doyle: Chicago Bears.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Josh Doyle: Taylor Lewan #77 Titans.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Josh Doyle: Being a naturally very protective person is something that came easy to me. I think being protective and having a warrior mentality is crucial to being a good O-lineman.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Josh Doyle: I’m looking at the safeties and backers a lot for pre-snap alignments that could give away a blitz package, as well as individual D-linemen that give away stunts due to their stance and other tendencies.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next
season?
Josh Doyle: James Sheehan #86 WR/FB, Jonathan Brantley #11 QB and Mark Williams #21 CB.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Josh Doyle: My junior year, I lined up across Darius Jackson (JSU/ Jacksonville Jaguars #66).
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Josh Doyle: The camaraderie and the brotherhood. There is just something about sharing a battlefield with your brothers that brings you closer.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Josh Doyle: My father because he never gives up and always perseveres.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Josh Doyle: My definition of a leader is someone with the ability to stand up and make a change. Someone that influences others through his actions and words.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Josh Doyle: Hanging out with friends, listening to music and some alone time.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Josh Doyle: After football I want to give back to the game that gave me so much. I want to be a coach or a trainer.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Josh Doyle: Humble, protective, outgoing, kind and aggressive.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
Josh Doyle: Go Bears!!!