Name: Jalen Knight
School: The University of Akron
Position: WR
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
I entered into my final collegiate season with intentions of making it the most enjoyable one that I’ve participated in yet. I had goals of helping my team win a MAC championship, as well as starting at my position and becoming an All-MAC player.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say that I am a disciplined, selfless, hardworking player & teammate. I always gave my best effort on and off of the field. As a senior, I felt obligated to act as a mentor to the younger players on the team. I go into every meeting, practice and game with the intent of getting better at my craft. I definitely think my dedication to the game has shown over the years and most certainly over my last collegiate football season.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film, I focus on overall effort to begin with. Whether I’m running a route, blocking, running down to make a play on special teams, I’m looking to see if I could have given more on the play. Next, I’m evaluating technical movements within the play. If I make a move and it doesn’t work, I’m looking to see what could I have done differently to make it successful. In addition to the unsuccessful moves, I evaluate the successful ones as well to see why a defender reacted the way they did and what I can do to improve upon it and find success again.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
The thing that separates me from other pro prospects at my position is my route running ability and my willingness to do anything to help my team win. I was never really deemed a speed guy, so I had to find other ways to be affective at the wide receiver position. I’ve spent thousands of hours perfecting my craft and improving my route running ability. I think it truly separates me from other pro prospects.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan to train and prepare for other professional opportunities is to constantly be running and maintaining cardiovascular endurance, as well as staying sharp within route running. I also have a strength training plan that I abide by weekly which got me in shape for pro day and will keep me in shape for any other opportunities. An expression I live by is “opportunity meets preparation”, which ultimately means I will prepare myself and be ready for any open door that comes my way.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
As previously stated, my strengths and abilities come through my route running, effort, discipline, and willingness to do anything to help my team win. The way I approach the game off the field to ensure success is by attending treatments to make sure my body is at its best, training to make sure I’m in the best shape possible, eating right, and watching film to improve at my position. In addition to football, I’m a member of the United States Army, so football is not the only team that I have been a part of to accomplish a common goal. Throughout basic training, I learned very quickly that a mistake could be the difference between someone living or dying. This sharpened the discipline I carry within myself, which translates directly onto the field. It’s definitely a significant factor in the way I approach everything in life, especially football.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I am a dedicated and responsible professional athlete, experienced in working with people of all backgrounds to accomplish a common goal. I will be the hardest working player you have and you won’t regret having me on a roster.