Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Blake Jones, DE, University of Rhode Island

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Blake Jones

What is your Height/Weight?

6′ 240 

What is your position?

OLB/FB/LS

Where do you play college football?

Ohio University and the University of Rhode Island 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

7

How did you choose your school?

I had always been a fan of the MAC conference and the opportunity to go play for legendary coach Frank Solich at a great school in Ohio was a no brainer. 

Where are you from?

Mechanicsville, VA

Who is your role model, and why?

My father,  he faced and overcame a lot of adversity in his life through sports and business and has really instilled those same values in myself and led me to who I am today.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I haven’t met with any scouts yet. I’ve  gotten my film and information to a few scouts and coaches and I’m waiting on feedback from there. 

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes, baseball basketball and wrestling

Did you play any other positions in football?

I’ve played MLB/OLB/DE/LS

At your position, what separates you from others?

My pass rushing abilities, football IQ and my quickness and strength combination are tops in the country. 

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

First I evaluate the formations they run and what plays they can run out of those formations, and the Tendencies they have to run specific plays pertaining to the down and distance and personnel. I also look hard at the keys and tips I can find from the offensive line, whether  it’s his eyes, stance, etc and his weaknesses that I can take advantage of.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

2013 first overall pick Eric Fisher 

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

James Harrison, because of his great pass rushing ability, toughness, tenacity and strength. 

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

My toughest obstacle was having six different position coaches and three different entire coaching staffs in college and having to learn new schemes every year. I overcame it by proving myself over and over again every year. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Listen to peace by inches by Al Pacino in any given Sunday 

What is your biggest strength?

Quickness and strength 

What is your biggest weakness?

Not taking days off, over training 

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

You will get a versatile player that can not only play offense and defense but can also long snap, and I’m one of the toughest, quickest and strongest players in this draft class. 

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

My favorite player was Lawrence Taylor and my favorite team were the Green Bay Packers 

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

Vince Lombardi, Jesus, and Warren Buffett