Tyshaun James

Wide Receiver / Central Connecticut State

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Tyshaun James:  My height is 6’3, weight is 216 and my forty time is a 4.51.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Tyshaun James:  I have a squat rack and dumbbells at my house.  Our strength and conditioning coach sent out a team packet.  I was following it.  I have been working out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  I was also working out at a local field by my house. 

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Tyshaun James:  I played basketball and ran track and field.  I was all-conference for basketball.  I made all-state for track.  I ran the 200m, 400m, 100m, and relays.  200m and 400m were my main events.  During my senior year, I was fourth or fifth in 200m at state competition.     

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Tyshaun James:  I played QB, safety and CB.  I started for two years as a varsity QB.  I was named all-state for QB and DB. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Tyshaun James:  I had a couple of teams.  Maine, Rhode Island, Temple, UConn, Boston College, Central Connecticut and Assumption.  Maine wanted me to play TE.  Other schools wanted me to play defense, mainly safety.      

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Central Connecticut State? 

Tyshaun James:  I chose Central because they had a family feel.  They stayed true to their word.  They came to see me at my school.  They didn’t only ask about football, but they asked me about my family.  They were looking at me to play QB. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?        

Tyshaun James:  Our three starting receivers pulled their hamstrings early in camp during my freshman year.  I was playing QB.  Then the coaches approached me about playing receiver.  I told them that I just want to get on the field.  I wouldn’t mind making the switch.  As a freshman, I was getting my feet wet at receiver.  We won the NEC conference.  We went undefeated in the conference.  I started on kick returns my freshman year.  During my sophomore year, I had 20 catches for over 200 yards and four TD’s.  I was the third or fourth option.  As a junior, I had 48 catches for 978 yards and 14 TD’s.  I led the conference in TD’s.  It was a very productive year.  We won the NEC my junior year.  This past year, I was the first option.  

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Tyshaun James:  We are refilling at the QB position.  We also need to fill some defensive positions.  You always hope for the best.  We are a talented team.  We expect to win the conference. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Tyshaun James:  My athleticism and the ability to get off jams.  I can stop on a dime.  In one on one matchups, defenders underestimate my speed.  I am good on the deep routes.  I can catch a slant, break a tackle and take it to the house.  I am physical and very versatile.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Tyshaun James:  Blocking.  Getting better depth on my routes.  Catching over my left shoulder better. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Tyshaun James:  Growing as a football player and as a man.  Winning championships. You play the game to win. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Tyshaun James:  Stay patient and do things the right way.  The game slows down for you.  Trust the process, and things will happen. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Tyshaun James:  My favorite team is the Patriots. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Tyshaun James:  DeAndre Hopkins. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Tyshaun James:  CB Dexter Lawson will be a junior this year.  Safety Jahlil Brown and RB Aaron Dawson.  RB Danley Exilhomme, WR Jiovany Pierre, WR Kyren Petteway, and OL J’Von Brown is an All-American.  OL JJ Colimon and S Alonzo Mitchell makes a lot of plays.  We are deep at Central. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Tyshaun James:  My freshman year, the entire Youngstown State secondary.  It was just my second game.  I was new to the receiver position.  They were playing physical. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Tyshaun James:  Catching the ball.  Winning the one on one matchups on the outside. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Tyshaun James:  My understanding of the game.  I know coverages.  I played QB.  I am versatile.  I can catch, run and throw.  You can put me in many different packages.  I have good leadership traits.  My teammates can speak to me about anything. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Tyshaun James:  The process.  Seeing where you start from and where you finish.  You put in the hard work and pain.  Doing all of the right things and seeing how it builds.  Also winning championships.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Tyshaun James:  Watching football and playing basketball.  I go on hikes with my friends.  I am a big family guy.  My family always supports me. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Tyshaun James:  My major is in economics, and my minor is in management.  I want to own a business.  I want to build my own rec center for the youth.  I want to build it in my hometown. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Tyshaun James:  Competitive, leader, passionate, humble, and hardworking.