2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Javaree Jackson, DL, Saginaw Valley State

• Name: Javaree Jackson
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 280 lbs.
• Position: DL
• College: Saginaw Valley State University
• Twitter: kingjack35
• Instagram: therealjavareejackson

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I spent 3 years at Wyoming before transferring to Saginaw Valley. I am majoring in Business Economics. I haven’t participated in other activities outside of football. I transferred during the pandemic and haven’t had much of an opportunity.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates would say that I’m a friendly and positive person, and that I bring energy every day.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
While at Wyoming, my primary goal was to stop the run. So, I was mainly playing against rushing offensive plays and occasionally stayed in during 3rd downs. I have size and speed to play both inside and outside. I believe I translate most to a 3-tech in the pros. I’ve also been on special teams during FG blocks. I hope to be used in many ways this year at Saginaw Valley.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
One of the guys that pushed me every day in practice at Wyoming was Keegan Cryder. He is a very technically sound player and one of the best centers that I’ve ever faced.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

The player that impressed me the most was LB Logan Wilson who’s now with the Bengals. He’s an excellent worker and always up for competition. He works well under pressure.

During my time at Saginaw Valley, I’ve been impressed with Jacob Dorn. He also plays on the defensive line. We play alongside each other and bring out the best through competition. He never complains and is always ready to get everything done.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My time at Wyoming didn’t end the way that I wanted, and regrettably I was dismissed. I had a lot going for me there, and it was taken away. It was a very upsetting time, and It took me a few months to find myself.

Things started to turn the corner when I heard from Saginaw Valley. They reached out and offered me, and that gave me hope. After transferring, the pandemic really started to set in. It was unfortunate that we didn’t get a chance to play in 2020, but I think it turned out for the better. I’ve had a whole year to re-establish myself, meet my teammates, learn a new playbook and put my incident behind me so that I can focus on football. I can’t wait to play this fall for Saginaw Valley.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would either play basketball or throw the shot put in track & field. I was first team all-conference in high school and was honorable mention all-state. I placed 3rd in state in shot put my senior year, throwing for 59 feet 8.25 inches.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud that I have the opportunity to continue my football career. Most people would have given up, but I’ve kept pushing, and I know that I can still do it.

My biggest accomplishment was setting my high school’s record in the shot put. My record still stands, and I don’t think anyone is going to break it anytime soon.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable moment happened at Utah State in 2019. On our first defensive possession, Utah State QB Jordan Love threw a slip screen and I was able to haul in the interception. I batted the ball, and it seemed like an eternity as I looked up and grabbed it. I fell down with the ball for the turnover.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite football team is the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers and Deonte Adams are some of my favorite players. I’m also excited to have Randall Cobb back. My all-time favorite player is Aaron Donald. I like to model my game like his because of the intensity he brings to the game. He’s not the biggest player on the field, but he certainly plays like he is.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Some of my favorite artists include T.I., Moneybagg Yo and Lil Baby. The songs I like to listen to before a game are “Humble” and “Emotionally Scarred” by Lil Baby.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Tacos are one of my favorite foods. I’ll occasionally get those from Bueno Burrito. My comfort food has to be my Mom’s homemade red velvet cake.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is The Fairly Odd Parents on Nickelodeon. My favorite movie is Friday. Some of my favorite actors include Tom Cruise and Vin Diesel.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love to go fishing. One talent that I have is that I can juggle.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I’ve been playing football since I was about 6 years old. I remember just wanting to try something new and my friend handing me a flyer. Once I started playing, I ended up really liking it.

My family is a huge motivator for me. I’m also very self-motivated. You shouldn’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. And I know that I can do whatever I want as long as I put my mind to it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get where I want to be.