This cover32 Redskins writer had an interview with Washington Redskins offensive lineman Tyler Catalina. Catalina was selected by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Before the final 53-man active roster was announced on September 3rd, the Redskins planned to only have eight active offensive linemen. The odds of Tyler Catalina being one of the eight were very slim. This author was one of the very few who predicted Catalina would make the team. I had watched film on the multi-faceted Catalina when he was a Georgia Bulldog in the SEC.
Versatile Catalina proved himself in the preseason and showed his ability to play both guard and tackle position. In game four of the preseason, the coaches had Catalina play three different O-line positions. He made the active roster with rookie center Chase Roullier. With injuries to four of the five starting offensive linemen, both rookies were thrown into the fire. Both played exceptionally well for being rookies and with strangers beside them on the offensive line. Catalina showed he is a powerful run-blocker and pass-protector as he faced all-pro pass rushers from other teams.
During the interview granted to me by Tyler Catalina, I learned much about this young man. All Redskins fans can research him and see that he played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs (“Dawgs”); he is 6’6″ tall and weighs 325 lbs.
The interview was in the evening because Catalina has been working out feverishly at the gym doing self-imposed “two-a-days.” He is working hard on areas he knows he can improve on and is determined to arrive at camp in top shape. His experience from his rookie year was a valuable learning tool. He not only wants to make the active roster again but wants to win a starting position and become an all-pro. He knows Coach Bill Callahan has taught many offensive linemen to become all-pros. He also takes to heart what Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
Catalina wants to prove that the NFL teams made a mistake by not drafting him, so he plays with a chip on his shoulder. His own motto is “when in doubt, work harder.” He is not one who talks much but lets his game do the talking for him. He convinced me he is appreciative to those family members, friends and coaches who all contributed to his becoming an offensive lineman with the Washington Redskins. He is enjoying going from a Georgia “Dawg” to a Redskins lineman and he loves the Redskins fans.
Tyler Catalina is engaged to be married. “Behind every great man is a great woman.” Readers of this article can visit his Facebook page to see their happy picture. He enjoys playing golf and fishing. He is very close to his family and has a big following with the Georgia Bulldogs team and fans.
This writer believes Bill Callahan’s “Great Wall of Washington” is on the horizon. He already has two all-pros on his O-line in Brandon Scherff and Trent Williams. Expect HOGS 2.0 to arrive, which will probably include future all-pro Tyler Catalina. He reminds me of another #68, Hall of Famer Russ Grimm.
On behalf of cover32 Redskins (@cover32_WAS on Twitter) I thank you, Tyler Catalina, for granting me this very informative interview. We predict you will make the active roster again and be the starting left guard of the Washington Redskins. Hail to the Redskins!
What are your opinions and predictions about Tyler Catalina and the Redskins offensive line? Share them with us at @cover32_WAS on Twitter and Cover32Washington Redskins on Facebook. HAIL to the Redskins!
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