NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Jonathan Schmitt, TE, Kean University

What is your name?

Jonathan Schmitt

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2/235 lbs

What is your position?

Tight End/ Wide Receiver/ Full Back

Where do you play college football?

Kean University

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

Off the field I have done a ton of community service. Every year we go to an elementary school and read to the children and that was probably the coolest thing I have done.

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

Anatomy and Physiology

Where are you from?

Cliffside Park, NJ

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is my uncle Andrew Schmitt. Andrew has always been there for me and has made me who I am today. He is a very hard worker and is always trying to better himself as a person and as a trainer. He has trained me since I was in eight grade and he has instilled certain attributes in my life that have helped me succeed in football and in life.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball.

Did you play any other positions in football?

My main position was tight end but I was also used as a receiver often and used as a full back in blocking situations.

At your position, what separates you from others?

The one thing that separates me from others is the fact that I can play multiple positions. I can play tight end, wide receiver, and full back and this allows the offense to run smoother because they don’t have to sub people in an out. If we are in 10 or 11 personal I can play the slot or line up as a tight end. If we are in 21 I can be attached or lined up as a full back. I am a very diverse player that will adapt to any situation.

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

When I am breaking down film I look for weaknesses in the defense that I can use to my advantage. I also key certain players and look for certain tendencies that will give me an edge.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest player I faced was Eric Allen from Mary Hardin Baylor.

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

Jason Witten

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

I would say the biggest obstacle I had was going from high school to college. You go from being the big fish back to the little fish and that was a big adjustment for me.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

The night before the game I would always “play the game in my head”. I would try to play everything in my head so it just happened on the field. Before games I would go onto the field and throw the ball around, do some catching drills, and listen to music.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my ability to play numerous positions. I am a “hybrid” type player and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say for my position (tight end) my height (6’2).

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

I would say that I am a hard working person willing to do whatever it takes to be the best. I am all about what is best for the team and I will excel in whatever role that I am in.

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

My favorite team is the Los Angeles Rams.

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

Paul Kim, Coach Doc, and my grandfather.

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

After I pay my student loans off, I would invest in a condo.