2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Davon’te Jest, NT, University of Akron
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Davon’te Jest
- University of Akron
- NT
- 6’1”
- 300lbs.
- Hometown: Ocala, FL
- Twitter: @VonteJest
2018 Statistics:
- GP: 12
- Total Tackles: 15
- TFL: 2.5
- Sacks: 1.0
- QBH: 4
- FR: 2
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
Being overlooked. All my life I’ve been told I was too small or I wasn’t good enough so I proved everyone wrong and I still am to this day.
What defines success for you?
Success to me is honestly just being able to take care of my family and giving them everything that we never had growing up and being remembered as the best at my position.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
Goofy, and always reliable. I believe in leading by example. I would never expect a teammate to do something without me also participating.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
I never try to belittle anyone. Growing up my mother always taught me an old saying, “treat the janitor with the same respect you would the boss.” Nothing is given, I have to go work for everything I want.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
D’Ante Demery OT at FIU. I had the chance of competing with him every day during our short time together at Hutch Community College.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Aaron Donald.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
Saints, their offensive schemes are amazing, and their defense is crazy but my favorite person to use is Alvin Kamara. He’s such a deadly weapon in the running and passing game.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
I revert back to the serenity prayer and the knowledge my mother has instilled in me over the years.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
Warren Sapp and Aaron Donald.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
To never take anything for granted.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Chipotle I could eat it every day.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“JEST KEEP GOING.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
Cardi B – Bodak Yellow.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Jerome Brown. He was a beast who dominated his time in the league until his untimely death. His first step was immaculate.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
As the best defensive lineman to come through the NFL.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
What I lack in height I make up for in heart. Nobody will out work or out-compete me, and every down I’m in I will show you the chance you took on me was well worth it.
