2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jay Rose, TE, University of Connecticut

• Name: Jay Rose
• Position: TE
• College: University of Connecticut 
• Height: 6’3 3/4″
• Weight: 253 lbs 
• Twitter: @JayRose81
• Instagram: @jayrose__81

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

The keys to success on the field start in the off-season. If you’re not willing to put in the work to be successful, then it is never going to just happen. Success starts from the work you are doing when nobody is looking. The biggest thing to me is your work ethic, and being disciplined. If you are not willing to put in the work and stay the course, it will never carry over onto the field. 

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

One of my favorite moments is definitely winning back-to-back state championships. Another one would have to be fulfilling my dream of playing division 1 football. But to be honest, my favorite moments are the relationships and memories that are built through your football life. Those are the things that stick with you forever. 

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

I would say, Jordan Reed. Being from CT he was always someone I admired. We both played QB in high school and moved on to play TE at the next level. He was someone I always wanted to model my game after. He ran routes like a receiver and blocked like a tight end. He was a baller. I would love to pick his brain about his game. 

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

I started playing flag football when I was 6. I knew right away playing professional football was going to be my dream. It was something that just clicked with me. Watching it on TV only drew me closer, I knew it was what I wanted to do. 

5.What sets you apart from other tight ends?

I can do whatever is asked of me to do. I can block on the perimeter. I can block in the box. I can block at the second level. When it comes to the passing game, I am a mismatch anywhere on the field. I am a big target who knows how to create separation at any level on the field. I have the ability to create explosive plays for an offense and can catch almost any ball thrown at me. One thing that will set me apart is my ability to create yards after the catch. I believe my ability in both the run and pass game will set me apart from other tight ends. 

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

I’m always fired up. You have to have an attitude to play this game. I like to remind myself that I get to do this. Every time I step on that field I tell myself I’m blessed to be able to play the game that I love at such a high level. I have a high motor. I love to fly around and have fun. One thing you’ll always see me do is to pick my teammates up. That goes physically and mentally. Keeping positive energy within your team is big for someone who considers themselves a leader. That’s why I love to do it so much. 

7.What should we know about Jay Rose the person?

I’m the same guy every day. I pride myself on my work ethic and my character. I was raised to believe anything you want, you have to work for and I have taken that mentality with me through my football career. Being respected for the person I am means more to me then being respected as an athlete. 

8.What are your favorite things about playing football for UConn?

I love the opportunity to play the sport I love at the highest level. It means even more to me that I get to do it in my home state. My time at UConn has taught me a lot about who I am as a player and a person. The relationships and memories I have made in my 5 years will always be some of my favorite things about this journey. 

9.How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Adversity is always going to come into your life whether it’s on the football field or not. I’ve always been one to fight through adversity. Personally, I feel like the challenges you face as a football player help you handle challenges in real life. I like to face challenges head on and keep pushing. 

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

A selfless guy. A leader. A playmaker. A guy who’s willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. You’ll get a guy who’s going to give his all no matter what is asked of him. I love football, I love to compete. A guy that will come in and make a positive impact no matter the situation. 

11.What is your typical training routine?

I love to get the body moving in the morning. Wake up, eat breakfast. I like to start by going for a run to get the body warmed up. After that, I’ll hit the weights. That’s typically how I start my morning. After that I will usually eat lunch and take care of my body. Keeping the body fresh and recovered is a big part of the process. I like to take care of my muscles after my first workout so I can feel my best when I head to do my field work in the afternoon. Get good work in on the field then eat dinner and again recover. 

12.What do you love about the game of football?

I love the game of football and everything that comes with it. Football is such a competitive sport and the best part about it is you compete as a team. It’s hard to be successful if you have 10 guys on the field doing their job and one guy didn’t execute their assignment. That’s why I love football. You look around and those guys are depending on the man next to them just as much as you are. It makes football a special sport. One of my favorite parts is all the people you meet and the bonds you build. You come across so many different people from so many different backgrounds. It’s so cool to see the relationships you build whether it be coaches or players, and you all have the same goal in mind to go out and win. Football is just special and I’m blessed to play it at such a high level.