Getting Personal with MSU Running Back “Big Bacon”

Player: Tyler Natee

Year: Sophomore (Recent transfer from Indiana University)

Position: Running Back

Number: 2

Major: Business Management

Hometown: Euless, Texas

Question: How does MSU differ from Indiana?

Tyler Natee: Definitely the weather, it’s been more cold with more snow. Actually, when I was in Indiana I didn’t see any snow, so this is my first time seeing real snow.

Q: Have you played in the snow at all?

TN: Yeah, I played in the snow one time.

Q: Did you like playing in the snow?

TN: I didn’t like it too much. I don’t want to have to do it again, but I might have to here.

Q: Was it hard for you leaving Indiana?

TN: It wasn’t necessarily hard, but I do miss my friends and all the relationships and connections that I built. It was just more of a business decision that me and the [Indiana] coaching staff made. You know, just better for my career to go somewhere else, so I could have a better opportunity.

Q: What are your goals after college?

TN: My goal is to get that degree, but I want to further my [football] career and maybe have the opportunity to play at the next level.

Q: So far, what does being a Bobcat mean to you?

TN: Definitely family, because ever since I stepped foot on campus, everybody, even people in the community, has made an impact on my life. And they really hone in on the whole “family” concept and accept everybody for who they are.

Q: How did you get your nickname, “Big Bacon?”

TN: At Indiana, we were in our running back room watching film on a previous practice, and one of the older guys said Big Bacon out of nowhere, I guess because of my presence, my big self or whatever, and I turned around nonchalantly and said, “who you talking to?” And he said me, so it stuck.

Q: Do you like the nickname?

TN: Yeah I do, actually.

Q: What are your favorite activities outside of football?

TN: I play a lot of video games, a lot of “Fortnite.”

Q: Any wins?

TN: Oh yeah, I’m pro. I’m the best in the world. [laughing]

Q: Do you have any goals for next season?

TN: I don’t really have any personal goals, but as far as team goals, trying to make it to the playoffs. Trying to win more than seven games is our goal.

Q: Since you played quarterback in high school, are you hoping to see a wildcat offense here?

TN: Yeah, definitely. I always loved to throw the ball. When I was in high school, at first I didn’t really like the position because it’s a lot of pressure, but as time went on I just learned to accept that role. Hopefully I get another chance to throw the ball.

Q: How do you think you fit into MSU’s scheme?

TN: They do a lot of two-back, three-back kind of stuff, so you know, me and my presence being able to block defensive lineman and linebackers. Being able to run in-between tackles in third-and-short and on the goalline makes us more versatile.

Q: If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

TN: I’d probably say a rhino, just because of its size and it likes to plow anything in its way. That’s kind of my mindset, when I’m running the ball I like to run through everyone in my way to get to the endzone.

Q: If they were to make a movie about you, what would the title be and who would you want to play the lead role?

TN: [laughing] I gotta stick with nicknames, so it has to be called “Big Bacon.” And I’d say Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Q: What was the last song you listened to?

TN: This morning I was listening to “In Case You Didn’t Know;” it’s a country song by Brett Young.

Q: Have you bought any Patagonia since you moved to Montana?

TN: [laughing] No, no, no.