2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Travis Jonsen, WR, Montana State University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Travis Jonsen
- Montana State University
- WR
- 6’4”
- 211 LBS.
- Hometown: Fullerton, CA
- Twitter: @travisjonsen11
2019 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2019 Big Sky Football All-Conference (All-Purpose).
- GP: 13
- Receptions: 49
- Receiving Yards: 539
- YPR: 11.00
- TDs: 1
- Rushing Attempts: 76
- Rushing Yards: 518
- YPA: 6.82
- TDs: 7
Congratulations on the first-team Big Sky All-Conference honors. What is the first emotion you felt when receiving that news? Who is the first person you shared it with?
I was shocked when I heard the news. This honor should be credited to my offensive line and QB. My offensive line has proven week in and week out that they are dominant, physical, and are up for every challenge. They make my job easy. My quarterback does a great job looking at coverages and looking at matchups, and I just have to win my 1 on 1 battle.
You began your Collegiate career as a 4-star QB recruit headed to Oregon. Unfortunately, injuries derailed that plan. What was the position transition like to WR and do you feel like you have mastered the position?
The injuries did not derail the plan, but just like any collegiate quarterback, I needed to find a home, so I transferred to Montana State. They asked me to play WR a couple of weeks before the first game because they believed I could help the team excel by playing WR. The transition was not hard at all. I was an athletic and smart quarterback who can run and understand coverages. There is a lot to learn at WR because route running is like an art. I only felt like an athlete playing WR my first season with MSU, but the following year I felt more like a WR. With another off-season of training and spending countless hours on my craft, I have no doubt in my mind that I can be an NFL wide receiver.
What made Montana State the right destination for you to finish your collegiate career?
The culture here is amazing. Student-athletes from all across the country and FBS transfers all bought into the program that Coach Choate has established. I believed in the program and its future that it holds. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior season by making it all the way to the FCS Semifinals.
What have you taken away the most from Coach Choate, Coach Frazier and the rest of the Montana State coaching staff?
Coach Choate taught me to play for the man next for you, and not yourself. A brotherhood was created at Montana State, where you sacrifice your body for your brothers. If you start at a skill position, you should start on special teams. Coach Frazier taught me how to be an elite WR and how to focus on the little things. Only the WR can beat himself if he doesn’t have the proper technique. The entire coaching staff just buys into Coach Choate’s vision, a player ran a program where the players oversee the rights and wrongs on the team. Coaches will get more out of their players if the players say more than the coaches.
When football is over, what do you aspire to do in the professional world?
I plan to start developing my apps. I have been working on multiple app ideas that I believe will be a popular hit to the people.
What separates you from other players at the wide receiver position?
I was a former quarterback, so I see what the quarterback sees. I am able to determine coverages, see the holes in the defense, and understand how to get open in those defenses.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Khalil Dorsey was the hardest corner I faced during my collegiate career. He had excellent technique, patience, and transition. If I didn’t have the proper technique, he will definitely expose me.
Give me your Mount Rushmore of all-time wide receivers, past and present. What made you choose these players?
Randy Moss, Michael Thomas, Jerry Rice, and Julio Jones. Randy Moss was ahead of his time. He was too fast, too quick, and catches every deep ball thrown his way. I have to put Jerry Rice in there because he holds all the well-deserved records. When I transitioned to WR, the first player I looked up to was Michael Thomas. We both have similar size, so it was easy to look up to him. Clearly, he is on his way to being one of the greatest receivers of all time by his route running, catching, and his knowledge of the game. Julio Jones is the most gifted receiver of all time. 6’3″ 220 LBS. running a 4.3 40 is hard to stop.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
Michael Thomas.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at Servite High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
Never get content. When you are content in whatever you do with life, you start the process of failure.
If I’m in Bozeman on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat?
The Roost! I love fried chicken and southern food. I am a huge Canes, Roscoes, and Waffle House fanatic, so the first thing I had to do in Bozeman was to go find some chicken!
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Travis Jonsen will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
I am unselfish WR, who does whatever it takes to win the game. Blocking, special teams, etc.
