Name: Jesse Jones
School: Merrimack
Position: NT
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 326
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
I was able to work on my individual game tremendously, working out all summer before the season and really develop my leadership qualities being named team captain. Then, to finish out my last year on a high note with my teammates.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
That I always give max effort no matter what I’m doing. Hardworking and resilient. That no matter what adversity I face, I work through it for the benefit of my team.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
As a Nose Tackle, I try to focus on technical things like get offs, my hands and feet, and my visuals as far as my man key and pressure key, since defeating double teams is a major factor in my game at my position.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I’m really coachable and I’m always trying to learn. I honestly have a similar play style to a lot of interior defensive lineman, but what separates me is that a lot of lineman start to give up or slack in the stretch of a game or drill when they get tired, but I’m not going to stop giving max effort, because no matter how tired I get, I know my opponent is tired too and when he slacks or takes a play off at any moment, I’m going to be ready to take advantage of that. Plus, I let my teammates down if I don’t give max effort every snap.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
My college has a great training facility and a great strength and conditioning staff that I will train with to be ready for any pro opportunity.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
With a lot of the things I’ve said, with my grit, resilience, and hard work are all things that I can bring to the table. I also show great leadership on and off the field. Another important thing is that I can bring a positive vibe to a team, being that I’m such a personable person and I just have fun playing football.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
My message to the pro scouts is that I am well aware that there is so much talent at the FBS level and the FCS level and the gap between those guys and division 2 may be decent. But, I believe that I am talented enough to compete at every level. All I ask is that you give this small school guy a chance to prove it and I promise you that you won’t regret it.
