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Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Javarie Johnson, LB, University of New Mexico
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?
Javarie Johnson
What is your Height/Weight?
6’4″, 245 lbs
What is your position?
Outside Linebacker
Where do you play college football?
I played at the University of New Mexico
How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
I had 17 Division 1 scholarship offers coming out of high school, including Michigan, Michigan State, West Virginia, and Miami.
How did you choose your school?
I originally chose to attend the University of Maryland because it was close to my home, but then I realized maybe it was a little too close to home and decided to pursue opportunities offered by UNM.
Where are you from?
I am from Washington, DC.
Who is your role model, and why?
The man who was my junior high school and high school coach is not only my role model but was also the only father figure that I knew growing up. His name is Ashaa Cherry. He is the person who is my role model because he always treated me like his son and he also taught me how to be a real man. He always led by example and by my senior year in high school, he let me move in with him and his family even though he did not have to. He is the person who I go to for any advice in life or if I have to make any big decisions in life, I ask for his opinion because his opinion is important to me.
Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?
I have not met with any scouts yet.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I also played basketball and I ran track in high school.
Did you play any other positions in football?
I played tight end and defensive end as well.
At your position, what separates you from others?
I think what separates me from the others in my position is a combination of my length and speed, which allows me to be a great pass rusher and able to hold the edge of the defense.
When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?
While breaking down film, I usually look for any weaknesses in my opponents who are usually offensive tackles. I look at how well they move their feet when they are pass protecting, how well they use their hands, and I also check out their size because that lets me know how effective my bull rush can be.
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?
I cannot remember his name but it would have to be Colorado State University’s TE who wore number 81 in the 2013 season because he was an all around good player.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
I like to compare myself to Demarcus Ware because of his size and he is also able to play both DE and OLB.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle in my life was making it out of the hood so that I could better myself and put myself in a position to be successful in life and I did that with perseverance and help from some great people that I met over the years.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I am usually really quiet before games because I like to sit back and visualize myself making big plays and I always pray no matter what.
What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my size and how well I use my hands on the field…and I am also strong so that helps.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is me being too hard on myself for not being as great as I can be and the only thing that holds me back is myself.
If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?
I am very athletic, I am 6’4″ 245 lbs, and I am very fast for my size, and the number one thing is that I am very coachable and a fast learner.
Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?
I grew up a NY Jets fan.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
I would have dinner with Ray Lewis, The Rock, and Will Smith.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
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.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
