2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jordan Ward, DL, Ball State University

• Name: Jordan Ward
• Position: DL
• College: Ball State University 
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 285 lbs
• Twitter:@JordanWard75

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

To be honest, I was forced into youth football when my Dad started coaching. My 1st sport was baseball. As a kid, I hated the contact aspect of football. It wasn’t until my first sack in a game that a switch flipped and I knew I wanted to be a football player. I haven’t looked back since then, and I love every second of playing this game.

2.What were your favorite things about playing football for VMI and what are you looking forward to with Ball State?

At VMI, my team was a family. We did everything together on and off the field. I believe that that love and trust in one another are what brought our program much success. I enjoyed the gameday atmosphere, making plays with my guys, but also watching them make plays. I’m excited to share those same kinds of moments at Ball State.

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

I would love to have a workout with Aaron Donald. He’s a current player I try to emulate my playing style after as well as his mentality for the game. I know we’d definitely get after it in our pass rush drills.

4.What is your favorite workout?

I am a fan of all our different workouts. I love the big lifts because of the energy they bring in the weight room. Big squats, big benches, and big cleans specifically are my top three.

5.What role do you hope to have if you make it into the NFL?

I want to win, period. I’m willing to fill whatever role that would be to help my team win, whatever it takes. I’ve been a part of multiple 3-4 base defenses, but I believe that my skill set can make me very versatile.

6.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

Having the will to win. At VMI, we “never say die”, and that rings true to the football field. No matter how the game goes, how the momentum switches, having faith and believing you will win will give you all the motivation and drive you need to be successful. I also believe paying attention to details gives a winning edge. How you do the little things correlates to the big things.

7.What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

I consider myself a technician. I understand that I may not have the height or size as some defensive linemen, but I believe I make up for that in my technique and leverage. I use my footwork, my hands, and my football IQ to beat offensive linemen and disrupt the offense.

8.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

Graduating from VMI has been my biggest but also the most fulfilling challenge in my life. In addition to succeeding academically, being able to perform on the football field added an extra challenge. But with the support of my teammates, coaches, and peers, I was able to graduate in good standing, as well as win a conference title with my team.

9.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I love encouraging my teammates. Whether that be pregame speeches and making a bunch of noise before kickoff, or sitting down with a teammate after a bad series. I’m a team player and I mean that.

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

A team will get a man who loves football and will buy into the team. Even if I’ve just arrived as a rookie, I won’t shy away from getting to know my new teammates so we can all form that level of trust we need on Sundays. I’m going to hold myself accountable, as well as my teammates too. A team will get a hustler who always gives maximum effort.

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

Do your job and beat the man in front of you. On a football field, there are 22 players, each with their own responsibility. As long as you do your job and trust that your teammates do theirs, you can win the play or get that turnover on downs you need to change the momentum and win the game.

12.Rank focus, footwork, and skill based on what is most important to you as a football player?

1. Focus
2. Footwork
3. Skill