2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Taji Lowe, LB, University of Maine
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Taji Lowe
- University of Maine
- LB
- 6’2”
- 250 LBS.
- Hometown: Stewartsville, NJ
- Twitter: @tajilowe
2019 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2019 CAA Football First Team Defense.
- 2019 New England Football Writers Division I All‐New England Team
- GP: 11
- Total Tackles: 98
- TFL: 9.5
- Sacks: 0.5
- PBU: 3
- QBH: 3
What have you taken away the most from the Coach Charlton, Coach Ryan and the rest of the Maine coaching staff?
The biggest thing I have taken away from the coaching staff is that in all aspects of life whether it is on the field or off, you need to take accountability for your actions. Good or bad you must take responsibility for any decision you make. This will help you learn from your mistakes and do better next time around.
You’re a Business major. When football is over, what do you aspire to do with that degree?
Whatever I decide to do after football is over, has to have football involved. I love the game too much to be without it.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of the past or present NFL LBs?
My Mt. Rushmore has to consist of Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Luke Kuechly, and Bobby Wagner.
What separates you from other players at the LB position?
What separates me is my instincts. I have a natural feel for the game. Also, I think mentally I am very intelligent and it doesn’t take me long to understand our defensive scheme and why we are running certain calls.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Wes Hills from the University of Delaware.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
I like to emulate my game after Lavonte David. He may not be the fastest or strongest linebacker in the NFL but he has a very high football IQ, and one of the best instincts in the league. His pursuit to the football and tackling are things I model after him.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at Phillipsburg High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
I would tell myself that a time will come where I will have to face adversity. This can be something you can control like having a bad rep or something you can’t such as an injury. Regardless when adversity hits you must be able to take whatever it is, embrace it but learn how to move on.
Currently, who is the best player in the NFL?
Right now it has to be Lamar Jackson. The way he is making everything look so easy is crazy.
If I’m in Orono on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat?
I’d say you would have to go to OHOP and grab yourself a Blue Zone (Buffalo Chicken Calzone with blue cheese).
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Taji Lowe will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
By representing the organization’s culture on and off the field, through leadership, sacrifice, and actions.
