Name: BJ Bello
College: Illinois State
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 230
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
BJ: Tenacious, Motored, Passionate.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
BJ: Working on all of my weaknesses. Working on putting up the best combine numbers that I can put up to show off my athleticism and explosiveness.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
BJ: If I could compare myself to one current NFL player it would be Telvin Smith from the Jacksonville Jaguars because he is an undersized linebacker who uses his speed, athleticism, and natural instincts for the game to put himself in the proper position to make plays.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
BJ: When studying film, I focus and look for what exactly the offense does and likes to do. Tendencies are very important, but I like to have a good idea of what the offense is trying to do and play off fast instincts. I focus on my match-ups for that week and try to find weaknesses in players that I can take advantage of, as well as how I can use my strengths and knowledge for the game to put me in the proper positions to make plays.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
BJ: What separates me from other linebackers in this years draft is my athleticism. My 4.52 40 yard dash would have put me in the top 3 at the NFL Indy combine. My 10’9 broad jump, 4.17 20 yard shuttle, and 6.71 3 cone would have all been first at the combine as well. I believe these numbers show my athletic ability and explosion. These traits as well as my IQ and passion for the game is what separates me from the rest of the players at my position. Not only with testing, but my film and the amount of TFLs I had this past season shows my ability to be able to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
BJ: I believe my abilities of being a play maker on the field as well as being a major influence off the field by leading my example and doing all the right things are something special that I can bring to a team on and off the field. As well as being a student of the game. Being very coachable as well as being known for asking a lot of questions.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
BJ: I came into college as a safety and moved to linebacker my junior year. I have a lot to learn and have not came close to reaching my full potential and playing my best ball. I have the tangibles and athletic abilities to be a special player in the NFL. With my motivation and passion for the game and being coached by NFL coaches, I can and will become someone special and one of the best linebackers in the NFL.