"If I had two words to describe Tyler Hamblin, it would be CLASS and CHARACTER. He is as dependable as they come and always does the right thing on and off the field." - Tim Murphy, The Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football
Q: What is your concentration?
A: Sociology
Q: Can you explain the nuances of your position and provide something for the casual fan to better understand your position?
A: In our offense, tight end is the most unique position. In order to play the position here, you have to have speed, strength, precision and an excellent memory. At times we are wide receivers, lineman and even fullbacks. If you watch 10-consecutive plays, I most likely will be lined up in 10 different positions on the field. One word to describe the position is diverse. There are times in practice where one play I need to block defensive end Zack Hodges, the next play run a route against defensive back Norman Hayes and then have to go block cornerback Sean Ahern for a screen.
Q: What is your first memory of football?
A: I have been playing football since I was five years old. I am going into my 16th year of playing organized football, so this question takes me back. My first memory was probably playing flag football as a five year old and listening to my grandmother scream my name every step I took on the field.
Q: Describe the experience of playing Yale.
A: Yale is indescribable. It is perhaps is the biggest thrill I have ever experienced. When you are walking to the field seeing all the people tailgate, there is just a rush of energy. During the game, I can't tell if I am playing in front of 35,000 people or an empty stadium. I have tunnel vision. But when the game ends and the fans rush the field, reality sets back in and I go back into being in awe of all the people.
Q: What are the hardest parts of being a student-athlete at Harvard?
A: TIME MANAGEMENT. You learn very quickly how to balance an early lift, two classes, a section, meeting with a professor and following up on a potential job opportunity all before a 2:30 p.m. practice.
Q: What's the best part about a home football day?
A: The smile and hug from my mom after the game.
Q: Who do you like lining up against in practice?
A: Zack Hodges. We are teammates, roommates, we just spend too much time together and practice allows us to constructively relieve our animosity.
Q: Choose one of each: The song you are most proud of, and least proud of, on your iPod.
A: I'm very proud of my entire music collection, I love music. Most proud: It Ain't Hard to Tell – Nas
Q: Do you have a nickname and how did it come about?
A: TP! When I was a freshman, I came in as a quarterback and I played and looked (debatable) like Terrell Pryor so everybody called me TP and it has stuck.
Q: What do you think of when you hear Harvard's mission statement of "Education through Athletics?"
A: Athletics can teach you so many things applicable to life. Harvard's commitment to "Education through Athletics" is its commitment to producing good people. Much of who I am as a person has come through my experiences growing up in sports and on teams.
Q: How has playing football at Harvard better prepared you for life?
A: Playing here really has allowed me to learn how to lead others. Often times growing up you think leadership is tied to the volume of your voice or being the most "manly" of the men. Yet here, I have really learned how leadership is more of your actions, commitment level and what you say rather than how. People seem to be more receptive to this style. This type of leadership is also more applicable to real-life situations when working in all types of different situations and different types of people.
Q: Where are your favorite places to eat in the square?
A: Al's!! I go there so often they know what I am going to order. BUT after 11 p.m., Hong Kong.
Q: If you could do anything for a day without any cost considerations, what would it be?
A: Go to every sneaker store, boutique or consignment shop so that I could finish off my sneaker collection.
Q: Best and worst football movies of all-time? Why?
A: Best: Friday Night Lights, it's a tear jerker.
Worst: Friday Night Lights, the television show. I know it is not a movie but I just don't care for it and had to say something.
Q: What is your favorite Murphy-ism?
A: "We have to know their personal, tendencies, schemes better than they know ours" – we hear it every Sunday for every team.
Q: Of your teammates, who is most likely to 1) become President of the United States, 2) be a star of a reality TV show, 3) join the circus, 4) fall off the face of the earth? Why?
A: 1) Become President: Obum Obukwelu, he knows EVERYBODY.
2) Become reality star: David Bicknell, he could accidently become a reality sensation and just be the best at it.
3) Join the circus: Seitu Smith, he's a natural clown.
4) Fall of the face of the earth: Zack Hodges I never can find him or get in contact with him when I need to.
Q: Who is your biggest role model?
A: My mom, nobody is tougher than her.
Q: One thing most people don't know about me is that...
A: I hate the outdoors.
Q: If you could have dinner with four people, dead or alive, who would they be?
A: Malcolm X, Dr. King, Dave Chappelle & my father (He always has something ridiculous to say).
