When the NFL Draft comes around in late April, teams in need of a tight end may want to take a long look at Erick All.
All started his college career at Michigan in 2019. He had a breakout season in 2021, hauling in 38 passes for 437 yards and two touchdowns.
A back injury in 2022 prevented All from building off his 2021 campaign. Later that year, he entered the transfer portal and took his talents to Iowa, a school that has developed a plethora of star tight ends, such as T.J. Hockenson, George Kittle and Sam LaPorta.
All played well for Iowa this past season before the injury bug struck again. This time around, he suffered a torn ACL. Before the injury occurred, he was leading the team in receiving with 21 receptions for 299 yards.
We caught up with Erick All to discuss his preparation for the NFL Draft, a potential reunion with Jim Harbaugh and more.
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The Spun: What was your NFL Combine experience like?
Erick All: I loved it. I loved meeting all the coaches and chatting football with them. Getting to meet the players from all around the country was great as well. I had a great time at the NFL Combine.
The Spun: You bounced back from a 2022 injury, showed out at Iowa in 2023, and then suffered another injury. How do you just try to stay positive and stay focused on your future?
EA: I just say it’s bad luck and that I need to get ready to play. I’m looking forward to playing the game again. The injuries are annoying, but this is bigger than me. I have a son to look after. I’m here getting better every day for me, my son and my team. I want to win and be the best player I can be.
The Spun: Speaking of the 2023 season. What did you improve while at Iowa?
EA: I had different opportunities to make different type of plays. When I was at Michigan, I was catching a lot of flats, overs, seams and stuff like that. I was put in different spots. I feel like I improved my understanding of defenses throughout my college career. My confidence grew over the years because of it.
The Spun: What did you notice about Iowa’s coaching that makes it such a good school for developing tight ends?
EA: When I first got there, I immediately found out why it’s Tight End University. Everything is run through the tight end. We’re at the point of attack, we’re at the front side of a run play, we’re pulling constantly, we’re catching balls downfield, we’re catching slants. Everything is run through us. They put a lot of trust in the tight end room, and that’s where I think it starts at. Iowa tight ends go into the NFL and make the plays they were making in college.
The Spun: Iowa has produced so many great tight ends in recent years. Have you been able to speak with any of them and get some pointers?
EA: When I was with T.J. Hockenson and George Kittle at the tight end event in Nashville, I got tips from them about blocking in the run game and route-running. I haven’t had conversations with them recently, but I’m definitely going to change that.
The Spun: Your former coach, Jim Harbaugh, is now coaching the Chargers. They have a need at tight end. Would you be open to a reunion?
EA: I would love that. I would love to be with Coach Harbaugh again. I’ve talked to him a lot, especially after I left.
The Spun: It’s been a long journey to get to this point. Has it hit you that you’re so close to being an NFL player?
EA: It has hit me, but it won’t hit me as hard as it could until I’m in the league playing. I can’t wait for that moment.
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