NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Zach Jackson, FS, Mercer University
What is your name?
Zach Jackson
What is your Height/Weight?
6’0 202
What is your position?
Free Safety
Where do you play college football?
Mercer University
Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?
Was able to provide philanthropic needs to a less fortunate family for the holidays
What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?
Sign Language
Where are you from?
Lawrenceville, Ga
Who is your role model, and why?
My older brother. The positive example he’s set for me.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Baseball, Basketball, Track
Did you play any other positions in football?
Cornerback, Running back, Wide Receiver
At your position, what separates you from others?
I feel that my ability to cover ground, speed, play recognition/position tendencies and opportunistic mindset and ball skills are a few things that set me apart from others at my position
When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?
I look for alignment keys, and certain tendencies that a Lineman, WR or QB have that could possibly give me a heads up on what’s coming
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?
Justin Thomas from Georgia Tech
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
Earl Thomas because of my range passion and big play ability
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
Transferring from TCU. I overcame it by seizing and making the most of my opportunities here at Mercer University
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Just get away from everyone and listen to a certain song before every game and read a chapter from Proverbs before every game
What is your biggest strength?
Instincts
What is your biggest weakness?
Over anticipating plays
If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?
I have a “Go Getters” mentality and if I set out to accomplish something or tell myself I’m going to do something I will never rest until it’s done.
Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?
Ed Reed
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
J Cole, Will Smith, Michael Jordan
What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?
Investment half of my earnings(savings, mutual funds, etc.)
Rapid Answers
- Who is Better: Tom Brady or Peyton Manning?
- Who will win the Super Bowl this year? Giants
- Who is Better: Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith?
- Who will win MVP in NFL? Dak Prescott
- Who is Better: Deion Sanders or Richard Sherman?
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