Name: Christopher “Jamey” Deckard
School: Hanover College
Position: LB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My goals for my final season were as follows: Be named a team captain, which I succeeded in Make All-Conference, which I succeeded in Win the conference championship – We did not win the championship. Finished 3rd with our best season record (7-3) in my 4 years at Hanover. Lead the team in tackles – Lead the team with 67 total, 50 solos, 11 TFLs
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe that my coaches and teammates would say that I am a smart player. This season I played mike backer. The defense relied entirely on the mike to make on the field checks and adjustments, as well as reporting what the defense saw to the defensive coordinator. My team will also call me a leader. I was named team captain this season by a unanimous vote amongst my teammates. I love being a great teammate, and that has given me a lot of respect from my coaches and teammates.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I study film, I look at three main points. What was my assignment? What was my alignment? Did I execute? I am a firm believer in the mental aspect of the game being just as if not more important than the physical. The game essentially boils down to these three points, and only one of them has anything to do with physical aspects. If I caught a mistake in knowing my assignment or my alignment, I went back to our playbook and studied the rules of the defense we ran, and I would never make the same mistake again.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My knowledge of the game separates me from other prospects. I have not met another athlete in my position that understands football the way I do. I have been surrounded by football since birth and have been in love with the X’s and O’s for as long as I can remember. I also have a drive that is unmatched. Being a little undersized to play inside the box has only made me stronger willed and impossible to kill.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
This offseason, I will be working with Hanover’s current strength and conditioning coach to develop myself physically. I will have a degree in exercise science, so I already understand the aspects of strength and conditioning that will propel my past other prospects.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My strengths include my leadership capabilities, my knowledge of football, and I have a level-head. I have never been an emotional player, but I have always had enthusiasm. Even on days I may not want to play, I can fake it enough to get myself back in the mindset that football requires.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I advise any scouts to look past the size and stuff on paper. It’s hard to put onto paper what I can bring to a team. Nobody will come in day in and day out and work the way I will. I am forever grateful to play this game, and I will do anything to get a chance to keep doing the thing I have loved since I was a kid.
