NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: David Jones, DB, University of RIchmond

NFL Draft Diamonds website has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 350 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name? 

David Jones

What is your Height/Weight? 

6’2/ 215 lbs

What is your position? 

Safety 

Where do you play college football? 

University of Richmond 

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field? 

In high school I recorded over 400+ hours volunteering at an after school program with elementary and middle school students. Also, I fed the homeless with a few of my college teammates at a local church in Richmond. 

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

My Capstone class for Sociology was by far the hardest class simply because we had to remember everything we learned from our lower level sociology classes throughout our four years and bring them all together.

Where are you from? 

St.Petersburg, Florida

Who is your role model, and why? 

Eric Berry because he battled with cancer and worked his butt off to get back on the field. When faced with a life or death situation, he responded in a way that many people would or could not. As a man of God, he trusted in the Lord and was able to make one of the best comebacks in sports history. Upmost respect for him and his family. 

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Yes, Basketball (forward) and ran track (4×1,4×4,200m, long jump, triple jump). Three sport athlete.

Did you play any other positions in football? 

I played quarterback all my life. In high school I was announced as the starting QB my sophomore year. Junior year I remained at quarterback and led my team to the playoffs both years. My senior year, my coach allowed me to play both sides of the both. I rarely played QB. I mostly played running back, wide receiver, cornerback (sometimes), safety, punt returner and kick returner. 

At your position, what separates you from others? 

As a safety, I think my range and ability to play both the run and pass sets me apart. I’ve been blessed to display a sense of versatility, filling fast on runs/ making tackles and making plays on the ball in the air. 

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

Tendencies, patterns, style of play, weaknesses/strengths, routes, pass sets, a little bit of everything. Also, I envision myself on the field playing the current play and what I would do to defend it. 

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

Darius Victor (Towson RB), very short and stocky. Runs very hard and difficult to tackle. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why? 

Antonio Cromartie, we are the same size, long, fast, and versatile. He could play corner or safety. I believe I could do the same if I put in the work to play both positions. 

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

Breaking my arm twice was definitely rough for me. The first time wasn’t as bad as the second. Physically, the first break was bad in a sense that I literally broke both bones in my arm and had major surgery. However, it happened at the end of the season and I had all off season to recover. The second time I fractured my arm underneath the plate that was surgically placed there. It was a little crack in my forearm that kept me out for the rest of the season as I only played 5 games.Not finishing the season was rough after coming back strong and playing well the first 5 games. In order to overcome this, I did everything I could to cheer on my team at practice, in the film room, and at the games. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

No matter who I play or what level I play on, I always puke before the game to get the nerves out. I can never control it. It just happens. And of course, I pray before every game. Not only to myself, but with my dad over the phone before arriving to the game, and with a few of my teammates. Even after my injury. 

What is your biggest strength? 

Tackling and making plays on/with the ball

What is your biggest weakness? 

I need to tighten up my man coverage

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say? 

I’m the type of guy that will come in everyday ready to work. I’m the same person everyday and I keep my nose clean. Definitely the friendly type and I get along well with people. I am not selfish and will play any position you need me to play. I put my team first and will do whatever it takes to win.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

My favorite player was Michael Vick because I wanted to play like him growing up as I played quarterback. My favorite team was and still is the Tampa Bay Bucs simply because they are my home team.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose? 

LeBron James, Eric Berry, and Ed Reed

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Anything that will help with recovery or preventative for injuries (norma tech boots, Cryo, hot/cold tub). I took some words of advice from a few veterans who suggested to take care of your body once you first get into the league. After a few years, once you are settled in with a secure job, then buy a car, house, jewelry, etc.