2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Jeremiah Caine, DL, Mississippi Valley State

• Name: Jeremiah Caine
• Height: 6’2 ½”
• Weight: 305 lbs.
• Position: DL
• College: Mississippi Valley State University
• Twitter: JeremiahCaine
• Instagram: jeremiahcaine

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?
By the grace of God and my desire to finish college, I made it through my undergraduate with a degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Business from Tennessee State. I’m currently attending Mississippi Valley State pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration. Mississippi Valley State has been life changing for me. As an intern college professor at Mississippi Valley State, I enjoy teaching college students in my Physical Education class twice a week. Teaching students while pursuing my graduate degree and my professional football career is truly an honor and I am truly humbled by this opportunity.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates frequently tell me that I am an excellent team motivator both on and off the field. I am a team player who encourages everyone, whether they play well or poorly. I hold everyone accountable and motivate them to succeed and excel in everything they do. I am the first to congratulate someone on a successful performance, but I am also there to encourage and support them when they perform poorly or are going through a difficult time in their life

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am one of the team captains. I have a very important role on this team. My coaches tell me that I am the backbone of the team. I keep my teammates on task while working towards a common goal. I am an extremely versatile athlete capable of playing on defense, offense, and special teams at a dominant level. I’m blessed to be able to switch positions and use my athleticism to position myself for success on each play. I can play every position on the offensive and defensive line. Playing both sides of the balls is a blessing. Playing both sides of the ball allows me to learn a lot of tendencies and knowledge that I use on my opponents. I can also play all special teams at any position. I was an All-Conference kicker and punter in high school. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Lachavious Simmons. We practiced against each other while at Tennessee State. He currently plays for the Chicago Bears.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I’ve been impressed by a number of players. Jalen Bell is the teammate who has impressed me the most. He is a freshman defensive lineman. He plays alongside me. He is a highly skilled athlete. For a freshman, he dominates at an extremely high level.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
As a college student, I had so many challenges that I had to overcome to become the person that I am today. During my freshman year of college, I was medically redshirted due to a hand injury. I was disappointed that year because I was chosen to be a starter offensive lineman. My struggle was not being able to play on the field until I was released from the doctor. However, I found a way to still be a part of the team and the game by encouraging my teammates from the sideline and watching the game to help give them pointers even though I wasn’t physically able to play. I found a reason to keep going and to motivate my teammates and myself even in my struggle. At this time, I had to realize it wasn’t my time and when my time comes I will know how to help others overcome this struggle.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball is a sport that I love to play. This is a sport that my parents and I used to play together to burn off some energy during family time. Throughout my high school years, I played on a basketball team while simultaneously playing on a very high level basketball traveling team.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My proudest achievement is being the first male in my mother’s family to obtain this level of academic and athletic success. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Business. In addition, I will receive my Master’s Degree in Sport Administration in May 2022.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The most memorable play was my sack in the fourth quarter against Alcorn State. I had “dog walked” across the field to our sidelines celebrating the 4th down stop.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Aaron Donald. I model my game after him. He is a very fast and physical player. Before every game, I watch his pass rush videos.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Jet Lee. Freshman year, I played football with him. We both played defense at Coahoma Community College. He always used to rap while we were on the field. He is my brother for life. He is following his dream just as I am following mine. To keep myself pumped up before a game, I like to listen to “Dreams 2 Reality” by Lil Baby. I also like to listen to motivational Speeches by Ray Lewis on The Beast and Inspire for Greatness.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is shrimp and chicken pasta. I can have it with some vegetables every day and be completely content.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Growing up, my favorite movie was Angels in the End Zone. It was about an underappreciated team that needed some encouragement to believe in themselves. Once they began to believe in themselves, great things began to happen. As I grew older, I also watched: Remember the Titans, Invincible, The Blind Side, and All American. My favorite television show is All American, and my favorite actor is Will Smith. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I enjoy going to the gym, lifting weights, and swimming in my spare time. It keeps me very flexible. Basketball is my second love and a hidden talent of mine. I am a very good player and can play at a high level. I love to play basketball while training because it aids in the development of my spin and pass rush moves.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I began playing football at a young age. I enjoyed playing football, and it will be a part of my life forever. My greatest sources of motivation are God and my family. God is the most important person in my life and family comes in second to God. My family has always been a source of encouragement for me, both in good and bad times. They have never let me give up on myself. Growing up underrated and overlooked inspires me to stay focused on my goal, fuels my fire, and motivates me to improve every day.