2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jeffery Pooler Jr, DL, Northwestern University

• Name: Jeffery Pooler Jr
• Position: DL
• College: Northwestern University
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 255 lbs
• Twitter: @BigPlayjeff
• Instagram: @BigPlayJeff5

What should we know about Jeffery Pooler Jr the person?

You should know he’s a gritter for sure. I have worked hard for and earned everything I have. Nothing has ever come easy for me. My career and journey could vouch for that as well as those that witnessed it first hand. There’s no quit in me, I will find a way when it seems like there’s no way. I’m competitive in all aspects of life from school to football to board games.

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

Effort is number 1 to me. Then I would say preparation, watching film and studying tendencies and your opponent to find out their weaknesses and what they give away.

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

Head on, I try and find a solution because crying and complaining don’t get you nowhere.

What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

I think my love for the game. I’ve been playing since the age of 4 and I know every athlete says this but it is honestly. And with so much experience I feel like my football IQ and my intuition is what sets me apart.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

I’m training down at MJP in Dallas. Trying to sharpen my fundamentals, work on my pass rush skill set and improve my speed and agility that will help with my versatility of being a 3-4 edge guy as well.

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

Dwight Freeney just to pick his mind on his view of the game and how he prepared. Try to find out what made him so good and never really allowed himself to be complacent.

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

Wasn’t my choice starting out but grew on to me. I loved the competitive nature of it and winning. I fell in love with the concept of me and my friends beating on other groups of people. So I guess the brotherhood is another thing.

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

I love trash talking to get in my opponents heads. I’m not overly energetic with celebrations on the field though. I like to keep it simple.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My first little league touchdown, sitting in Matt Campbell’s office and hearing him offer me my first D1 scholarship. 2018 Texas game.

What would a team get in a player like you?

High effort guy, a leader who players are drawn to naturally, someone who is going to work his a** off at all times. A BALL Player!! I make plays and will continue to make plays. I want to succeed but I also want my team to succeed as bad as I want to. I’m a winner and want everybody around me to win.

What do you love about the game of football?

Competing with the guys I have trained my a** off with the whole time leading up to the season. Winning. One of the best feelings you can experience, being productive doesn’t mean anything if your team doesn’t come out with the win. Meeting new people from all over the word. Traveling, never would’ve been out of the state of ohio if it wasn’t for football.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Accomplishing my dream of making it to the nfl and playing. Once I’m able to get my foot in the door, I think rest will handle itself.