Name: Jalen Cole
School: Aurora University
Position: Offensive Guard
Height: 6-3
Weight: 320
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goal I set for myself was to be better than the year before. I was able to accomplish 1st Team All-Conference and D3 All-Region honors in my final season.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say that I’m someone who plays with a lot of passion and energy, and that when adversity creeps in I always rise to the occasion.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Since I’ve only been playing the position for 3 full seasons, there’s a lot I can still learn. Knowing that, I like to watch other offensive linemen techniques to see ways I can implement what they do into my game. When it comes to defensive lineman I like to look at what pass rush moves are their favorite. I try to notice what their go to is in certain game situations, whether It be 3 and long, 3rd and short, end of half, first play of the game. Doing that helps me so I can know what to expect and I won’t be caught by surprise.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I would say my knowledge of the game and perseverance is what separates me. At the next level everyone is big, fast, and strong. At that level it’s a mental game more than anything, so I believe my knowledge and football IQ is what separates me. And outside of the past 3 years my football career wasn’t anything to get excited about. I was a defensive tackle and I only played around 30-50 snaps my entire highschool career, and didn’t play much my freshman year of college either. I kept faith because I knew God had other plans for me, so I stuck with it through college and it worked out for me.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I have a trainer that I see once a week that will prepare to play at the next level. Right now my primary focus given my size, I know I will have to be versatile and learn how to play center as well. So right now that just consists of me snapping and learning the technique that it takes to be a great center.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field I would say my strength and ability to dominate my 1on1 blocks and double teams. I love when I know I have a block all by myself because it’s me against you and I don’t like losing, so the competitor in me just wants to dominate the guy over me. As far as off the field and can relate to on the field as well, I would say my character. I pride myself on being a high character individual. Won’t have any problems on or off the field with me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch is that you’re getting an athlete who’s done a lot with very little experience at the position. I will do whatever it takes to improve and make the team better and will sacrifice for the better of the team.