Ari Werts
Tight End
East Tennessee State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Ari Werts: I am 6’4 ½, 232 and 4.46 forty time during training.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Ari Werts: In Atlanta, Georgia at Dash Performance. I was there for eight weeks. Now I am training at the school.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day? What are your expectations for that day?
Ari Werts: It will be on March 13th. I am expecting to post big numbers and get scouts’ attention. I plan to run a good 40 time and have a great broad jump. I am a good athlete. I ran track, played baseball and football in high school. My goal on the vertical jump is 36 inches.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Ari Werts: Iowa State, Boise State, UAB and Indiana. My grandmother was sick at the time.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Georgia State?
Ari Werts: I wanted to stay closer to home and be with my grandmother. It is the main reason why I didn’t go to any of the other schools. Plus, I liked the coaching staff at Georgia State. They recruited me well. They knew my talent. I knew that I didn’t have to go to a big school because NFL teams will find me.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to East Tennessee State?
Ari Werts: The first three years were going pretty smooth at Georgia State. Then our head coach got fired. Our new coach wanted to play the guys that he brought in. A freshman TE was playing ahead of me in spring practice. I thought that it would be best to transfer. I was promised at East Tennessee State that I would get 8-10 touches per game.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Ari Werts: I am athletic, physical and I like to block. I bring all three phases to the field. I am decent at running routes. I get in and out of my breaks well. I am a sleeper. On March 13th, I will show everyone what I can do.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Ari Werts: I was trying to put on more weight. I am not sure if I will play TE or receiver at the next level. I put on 12 pounds. I was at 220 pounds my senior year because I only played receiver. During my junior year, I was at 235.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Ari Werts: I transferred from Georgia State. They wanted me to play receiver. They didn’t use me that much in the passing game. I played mostly on special teams. It wasn’t what I expected. It was a similar situation like the one I had at Georgia State. I started my junior year at TE at Georgia State. I got hurt at the end of the season. I played with an injury the last four games of the season. I also played a lot my freshman and sophomore years.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Ari Werts: My willingness to not stop and stay the course. I didn’t give up and persevered through those situations.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Ari Werts: We played against San Jose State my freshman year in a bowl game. I made plays. Two of our TE’s were hurt that game. They started me that game. I had four receptions for 84 yards. We played in Orlando, Florida. We lost the game, but it was a great experience. It was my first time going to the bowl game. We stayed in Orlando and went to amusement parks.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Ari Werts: The Falcons.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Ari Werts: Jordan Reed and Evan Engram. They are fast and have a similar build like me.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
Ari Werts: Athleticism and willingness to block.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Ari Werts: I look at the DE. My first step has to be so fast, so I can block the DE. I watch the ball in blocking situations. When I am running a route, I am checking my leverage where the LB lines up. Once he moves, I am breaking off of them. I am always looking straight at the DB when I am running my route. I don’t want to tip him off on the type of route that I am running.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your former teammate WR Penny Hart?
Ari Werts: Penny is a great guy. Penny is a hard worker. He will always be on time. He is the definition of a leader. He plays with nothing, but heart. He owned the Sun Belt.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Ari Werts: #14 receiver Keith Coffee is tall, has speed, runs good routes and gets in and out of breaks well. He has great hands. #45 DE Nasir Player is a beast. He owned the SoCon.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Ari Werts: Saquon Barkley. He was so good. I have never seen a RB like that.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Ari Werts: I have the love for the game. My dad, Larry Werts, played with the Packers for about three to four years. He was a LB out of Jackson State. He played with the Saints as well.
Alex Khvatov: What has your father told you about the NFL?
Ari Werts: He told me everything that I need to know. He was always pushing me. He never favored me when he was coaching me. I have been playing football since I have been six years old.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Ari Werts: My hands. The way I catch the ball.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Ari Werts: I usually spend time with my grandpa. He gives me a lot of wisdom. I like to spend time with him. I am a family guy.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Ari Werts: I want to train athletes and develop them mentally. I want to want to open up my own training facility. I also want to help the homeless and open up shelters. I am a giving person. I want to show love.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Ari Werts: Humble, hardworking, athletic, physical and loving.
