NFL DraftProspect Interviews

Getting to Know: Jacob Roberts, LB, North Carolina A&T

North Carolina A&T Unviersity standout Jacob Roberts recently sat down with Jonathan Joyce of NFL Draft Diamonds. Check out this exclusive interview.

Student-Athlete Profile

  • Prospect Name: Jacob Roberts
  • University: North Carolina A&T State University
  • Position: LB
  • Class: Sophomore
  • Height: 6’0”
  • Weight: 218 LBS
  • Hometown: Charlotte, NC
  • Twitter: @Jacobrob3rts_
  • Instagram: @jacobrobertsfootball

2019 Accolades

  • 2019 All-MEAC Second Team.
  • 2019 HERO Sports Freshman All-American First Team.
  • 2019 Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP.

2019 Statistics

  • GP: 9
  • Solo Tackles: 35
  • Assisted Tackles: 21
  • Total Tackles: 56
  • TFL: 11.5
  • Sacks: 4.5
  • INT: 1
  • PBU: 1
via Jacob Roberts (YouTube)

We’re currently in January 2021. With the season starting in February, what has been the biggest adjustment, regarding preparation, both as a team and individually?

As a team, the biggest adjustment was not competing against the offense to make each other better than we are now because of the number of people that the law allows us to practice. As an individual, things haven’t been really different. I’ve just been keeping on top of everything and staying ready to play in the Spring.

Coming off an impressive freshman year where you earned numerous postseason accolades, what are your personal expectations and goals for your Sophomore campaign?

My goal is to put my team in the best position to compete and win a championship. Individually, my goal is to get better each and everyday on and off the field.

via KD Production (YouTube)

Being from the Charlotte area, did you grow up a Panthers fan?

Yes, I’ve been a die-hard fan since I was little. I watch all 16 of their games every year.

Who are the three best players ever from the Panthers’ organization in your opinion?

Steve Smith, Luke Kuechly, and also my favorite NFL player Cam Newton.

via KD Production (YouTube)

Playing the LB position, how much have you watched of Luke Kuechly?

I watch a lot of linebackers in the NFL and try to take a little bit out of their game to make me a better overall athlete.

Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your career?

Off the top of my head, nobody really stands out. I’ve played a lot of great athletes and good teams. My main focus is putting my team in a position to win every time I’m facing an opponent.

via 409 Edits (YouTube)

What’s playing in your headphones before a game?

I listen to my gospel music leading up into the locker room on game day. When we enter the locker room, my teammates play the songs they like before we head onto the field. I throw in Jay-Z and Lil Baby in the mix sometimes.

If your life was a book, what would the title be?

“Champion Over Challenges.” I’ve always been a great athlete and always worked hard to be the best possible. Growing up, I was always scoring touchdowns and making big plays. In 7th-grade I tried out for my middle school football team and was cut, I didn’t make it. However, I never got down on myself, I persevered and was determined to make the team my 8th-grade year and I did just that. That year I led the team in tackles and rushing yards. Going into high school, my 9th-grade year, I was cut again but I never gave up on football because I knew what I was capable of and believed in my talent. In 10th-grade, I made the JV team and was put at a position I never played before, which was Tight End. I was serious about playing the Linebacker position, so my coach gave me a shot on kickoffs. My first team ever running down on kickoff, I knocked two kid’s helmets off and made the tackle. From that point on, I played Linebacker. In my 11th-grade year, I was a backup but played a good amount of snaps because of my athletic ability. Due to injuries by the starter, I started the whole playoffs and led my team to a State Championship. In that game, I won Defensive MVP. In my senior year in high school, I led the team in tackles and interceptions. I earned 1st-team all-conference honors and 1st-team All-Charlotte Observer. I was also selected to play in the Shrine which showcases the best 40 players from North Carolina and South Carolina. This led me to play college football at the top HBCU in the nation. All of those trials and tribulations led to who I am now as a football player and a man. I always have a positive and championship mentality in everything I do in life.

via @NCATFootball (Twitter)

I love it. You possess things that can’t be taught: heart, dedication, and the will to succeed. What advice would you give to High School players looking to play at the next level?

Keep your faith first and never let someone tell you that you can’t do anything in life. Always be determined to be great in every aspect.

Who is the best player in the NFL?

There are many players in the NFL right now who will probably go down as the greatest at their position. If I had to choose one, I’d say Aaron Donald.

Where is the best place to eat in Greensboro?

LUXE is one of the best places to eat in Greensboro.

The last question; is a winning mentality something you are born with, or can it be taught?

I think it’s something inside of a human being that can be developed within themselves.

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