NFL DraftProspect Interviews

NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Johnathan Coleman, LB, University of West Florida

Johnathan Coleman the hard hitting linebacker from West Florida recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jonathan Joyce.

Player Profile:

  • Johnathan Coleman
  • University of West Florida
  • LB
  • 6’2”
  • 225lbs.
  • Delray Beach, FL
  • Twitter: @_jcolemanjr

2018 Statistics:

  • GP: 8
  • Total Tackles: 25
  • TFL: 3.5
  • Sacks: 3.0
  • FF: 1
  • FR: 1

What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?

My favorite song to listen to before a game is Meek Mill – Dreams & Nightmares.

How would your teammates describe you as both a player and person?

They would describe me as a very reserved and outgoing person also a work horse on the field always giving it 110 percent at all times.

How do you and your teammates make practice and film study fun?

All of my teammates are very competitive and an exciting group of guys to be around. In practice it never feels like work we enjoy it because we are always competing and challenging one another to get better. In the film room we quiz each other on the different schemes to see who knows and who doesn’t constantly challenging each other in a friendly way.

When you are studying film, what is your main focus to gain a competitive advantage?

As a linebacker I’m focusing on the different formations, how are they lined up, what are their tendencies on certain downs, and what plays do they turn to in certain situations. Everything from my ques and the personnel they have on the field is what I’m trying to pick up on that way come game day I can put myself in the right position to help my team be successful.

While at the collegiate level, who has been the toughest player you have competed against?

Luis Perez (QB, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2016-2017), he’s a very smart quarterback he knows when to throw away the ball instead of taking a sack and losing yards, he’s very patient and isn’t going to rush a pass, and knows how to take what the defense gives him without forcing anything.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

I feel grateful for life itself even though I’m not where I want to be in life I am greatly appreciative for everything that I do have and I can wake up and find that I have many things to be thankful for.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

I would want to be able to read minds so that I could understand people better or their situations in a way I feel like I would be able to hear someone’s heart through their thoughts.

What do you value most from your collegiate experience?

I value the many relationships that I have built since becoming a college student being able to mix in with so many people with their own stories and being able to connect with them and learn about who they are and where they come from and become a part of their lives has been a blessing.

Who is your personal hero?

My mother she taught me everything I know she’s guided me with tough love my entire life, I wouldn’t be able to be strong through the situations that I’ve been through if I hadn’t watched her struggle and rise above situations that was design to take her under. She’s been by my side the whole way in life many things fade but her love is one thing that’s never changed.

How do you work on yourself?

I work on myself be staying prayed up and asking myself every morning what I can improve on. How can I get better today? I understand everything is a process and I try to remind myself throughout the day of my personal goals and strive to achieve them.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I would have dinner without Malcolm X I feel that me and him have a lot of similarities and I’ve always wondered what that conversation would be like.

If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?

I would want to be able to teleport so I could just pop up somewhere really quick and bypass the travel time and be back home instantly.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?

Anytime I can handle everything that needs to be done whether it be school, a job or going and perfecting my craft is a good day to me that’s when I feel ive made use of my day.

Who inspired you as a young athlete?

My brother inspired me seeing him go off to college and then into the NFL motivated me I always watched everything he did and looked up to him and I wanted to be just like him and that’s what got me going he was the first person to show me that it’s not just a dream and that it could really be done because I’d seen him do it.

What are the positive attributes that you bring to a professional football team?

A relentless desire to win to give it my all, someone who respects the team and the brand on and off the field, someone who uplifts and pushes his teammates, and most importantly who is coachable.

Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge.

When I first came to UWF I didn’t start it was hard for me but I took it for what it was still remained a positive teammate cheered my teammates on, stayed up on the playbook, didn’t go through the motions and when I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to play I took advantage and became a starter.

What one skill would you like to improve on? What’s your plan for doing so?

I would like to improve on my vision while dropped in coverage being able to see all of the moving pieces to put myself in the best position to make a play. To improve I’ve watched film over and over to see the different route combinations the depth I dropped and it’s given me a greater knowledge of what routes are being run and how different routes are used to pull certain defenders out of position to open up another passing window.

If you could tackle any NFL RB, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would want to tackle Emmitt Smith because he is my favorite RB of all time.

What current/former NFL player do you model your playing style after?

I model my playing style after Deion Jones he’s a physical but also a very athletic linebacker who can do anytime from run stop to dropping into coverage he has great sideline to sideline speed and can cover and that’s what I believe my strengths are.

What is the best part of your hometown; Delray Beach, FL?

It’s home it is where all of my memories are, my family, my heart, and many friends.

In 15 words or less, give me your pitch to an NFL GM on why you should be a part of their organization.

I’m disciplined, hardworking, a great athlete but even a better person.

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