2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jermaine Russell, WR, Guilford College

• Name: Jermaine Russell
• Position: WR
• College: Guilford College 
• Height: 5′ 8″
• Weight: 173 lbs 
• Twitter: @gloryboymaine

1.What do you hope to accomplish if you make it into the NFL?

If I make it into the NFL, I hope to be an inspiration to other younger athletes with my story. Growing up I have always been overlooked but I had to stay mentally, physically, and spiritually strong. I have been through a lot over the years but it has only fueled my passion and performance in the game. I strive on making my doubters into believers.

2.What do you do for fun?

When I have free time, I am usually watching film, getting extra work in on the field, or playing the game. I love studying NFL defensive backs just trying to figure out what they are taught, what key points they are reading from receivers, or what creates reactions that I can use in my game. I also love to play Madden to enhance my game as well. It helps me with reading defensive coverages and understanding pass concepts as well.

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

My mindset is always make everybody watching respect me. When I’m on the field I am a completely different person. I have a strong competitive nature that clicks for me like a switch. My energy just turns up a whole notch and my passion begins to show. I think about about all the doubters I have had over the years, and my family being there to support me and it makes me want to put on a show. I just love everything about the game of football and being able to put my heart and talent on display.

4.What is your favorite workout?

I enjoy working on my route running and footwork. I feel that everybody has their own style of play and mine is with finesse and quickness. I try to do what I need to do in order to make my routes and footwork polished because that’s one of the attributes I feel separates me from everybody else.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

5.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite football moments in my life would have to be between my childhood playing pop warner, or the process of getting to this point. I have had a lot of humbling experiences with football that I can remember vividly. I have also built so many strong friendships with people that I grew up with and still communicate with til this day. But I think by far, being able to see all the hard work finally pay off in college, has been nothing more but a blessing.

6.How has your experience as a Guilford College Quakers football player been?

It’s been a wonderful and humbling experience. I just really appreciate Guilford College because the school welcomed me with open arms and gave me a opportunity to further my career. I have created relationships with people that I won’t ever forget. The coaches and staff have believed in me, and all my capabilities since day one with allowing me to start as a freshmen. I feel as if they are also always putting me in the best situation to show my versatility, by including me in all aspects of the offense and special teams.

7.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

My biggest challenge has always been being overlooked. I had to learn early that I would have to work twice as hard to get what I want out of life. No matter how much work you put in, it’s going to always be doubters. One of my biggest life lessons is preparation prevents poor performance. I don’t want to live my life with any regrets so I grind as hard as I can. I know that at the end of the day, when the opportunity presents itself I will be ready for it.

8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I started playing sports when I was 4 years old. My main sports were basketball and football. I was actually good at both but I had to be realistic,  it wasn’t many NBA players under 6’0. I fell in love with the game watching every Sunday. I couldn’t wait to sit down and watch all the NFL games with my dad all day. I would literally move the furniture around and throw the football to myself acting as if I was making the big plays. I see myself finding success on the field as well.

9.What is your favorite stadium you have played in?

I would have to say UNC. We played them for the state championship in 2016 and  I just loved the atmosphere. The bigger the stage, the better I play. I definitely feel like I feed off the crowd and the environment. I love going somewhere else and silencing the opposing fans.

10. What would a team get in a player like you?

A swiss army knife. I’m a self-motivated player that plays with the heart of lion. I love everything about the game. I treat it like chess not checkers. Every game day I go out with the mentality “demand your respect!” I just have that dog in me.

11.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?

Beat the Odds, I would call it that because their stacked against me right now. I’m trying to over come the D3 odds and show people that if you believe and bet on yourself you can get out of life the things you aspire to receive.

12.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would hang out with Steve Smith. I feel as if we both share similarities with the mentality we play with. He never took any mess from anybody and always used his struggles as motivation.