2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: James Gilbert, RB, Kansas State University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- James Gilbert
- Kansas State University
- RB
- 5’9”
- 198lbs.
- Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
- Twitter: @I_am_jg6
2018 Statistics (Ball State University):
- GP: 11
- Rushing Attempts: 152
- Rushing Yards: 659
- YPR: 4.34
- TDs: 7
- Receptions: 15
- Receiving Yards: 88
- YP/REC: 5.87
You’re entering your first year at Kansas State after four impressive seasons at Ball State. What made KSU the right program to finish your Collegiate career?
The things the coaching staff did at North Dakota State offensively stood out to me. They use a lot of running backs and line them up all around the field. They are a run first team and as a running back that’s what you like to see. They needed some experience at the position at Kanas State, so I felt it was the right fit for me.
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
I love it when people doubt me or say I can’t do something. It motivates me to accept the challenge and prove them wrong.
What defines success for you?
Success to me is when you know you put in the extra work behind closed doors and not be surprised when the results occur both individually and as a team. Success happens because it was earned during the off-season.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
Someone that’s going to give it his all every opportunity he gets.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Don’t look too far ahead, focus on the now and take it one day at a time.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Tre Watson linebacker at University of Illinois in 2017.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Tom Brady.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
The Colts because I’m a hometown guy.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
Learn from the situation and move on because every situation good or bad can be a learning experience.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
Walter Payton.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
I would tell myself understand the blocking scheme of the offensive linemen and watch the safeties because they give you tips on what the defensive side of the ball is trying to do.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
MamaDeaux’s Cajun and Creole Cafe.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“Stay Down Until You Come Up.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins .
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Tupac because he was way ahead of his time when it came to knowledge.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
Forty years from now I hope I am remembered as more than just a football player.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
An NFL team should invest in me because I’m a competitor I love to compete and I’m going to do the right things on and off the field.
