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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nate Jones, DB, Methodist University

Nate Jones the standout defensive back from Methodist University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen
Nate Jones the standout defensive back from Methodist University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen
  • Name: Nate Jones
  • Position: DB
  • College: Methodist University
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Weight:178 lbs
  • Twitter: @ysnNate16

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

As a football player going forward I’m pursuing my dreams as a 4x all-conference player, and 1x all-region safety. I’m looking for opportunities in the NFL, XFL,USFL,IFL, and even overseas. I’m trying to maximize my skills, and talents by continuing to work with personal trainers and studying game film at the highest level of play so I can take advantage of opportunities that are presented to me.

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

Brian Dawkins, I love his story coming up into the league, I love his style of play and how he made people respect him, and he’s a man of faith. I’d love to pick his mind about how he maintained his dominance at a high level.

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

I bring that jackboy mentality, I love making QB’s pay for throwing the ball. I’m high spirited, and a vocalist on the field. My energy damands for my teammates to match my level of play or outplay me.

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

What sets me apart from other DBs is my versatility. I can play every DB position fluently and every technique. I’ve never been the type of DB not willing to go hit somebody. I love studying film and offensive schemes. I make it mandatory to know my entire defensive scheme. I have the ability to make big plays and the discipline to just do my job. I’m coachable and I’m always willing to do the little things and right things to make myself better and the team better.

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

I think keys to success are being coachable, willing to listen and learn, studying film, working on weaknesses and turning them to strengths, having great practice habits, and putting in the work while nobody is watching.

What should we know about Nate Jones the person?

I’m a fun guy. I’m a young man that loves Jesus, my family and football. I’m a business man with my own business, I’m a father, I’m a mentor, a leader, and I’m active in the church.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

I’m doing everything possible coming from a small university, I’m working on getting a proday, exposure has been essential for me. I’ve participated in two bowl games the FAF bowl in NY and the All-American bowl in Minnesota. I’m training with my trainers, I’ve changed my diet, and I’m still not taking days off from the field or in the weight room. I’m staying ready so I don’t have to get ready.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

Cover 2 because it’s so easy to play. The assignment rather at the safety or cornerback is to key the QB. At safety your looking for the holes that the QB can dump the ball into but your making sure you don’t get beat deep. Either your making a player piss blood or getting a cheap int. As a corner your keying the QB but reading the wrs 2-1 or 3-1. Great defensive backs throw the timing of a QB and his wrs off.

What do you love about the game of football?

What I love most about football is that you get exactly what you put into the game. If your a hard worker it shows, if you’re just somebody that just likes to gets by it will show. Football has never lied to me, football has never cheated me, football has been a positive outlet for me since a child, and football has allowed me to meet people from different ethnic backgrounds. I love the game of football because the character it has allowed me to build on and off the field.

What would a team get in a player like you?

That team would get a player willing to put the time and work in necessary for PT and a consistent reliable career. I’m a jack of all trades, I’ve played multiple positions, and special teams, I know teams are getting a player that’s willing to do everything possible to help win ball games.

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

I handle challenges in life by controlling what I can control, and staying ready with more then one plan. I pray about the uncontrollable, and I challenge the issues that come to affect the people around me because life isn’t just about me as an individual.
As a man you have to eliminate or address the cancers that affect your daily life, and life of others.
I apply these same things with football, I control what I can control and make sure my teammates are ready and willing to sellout for one another on every play.

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

The fact I can hit somebody and impose my will upon somebody else is one of the main reasons I play this sport. I decided to be a football player because of my love for the game. I’m a baller, and I enjoy the sport from a player perspective and fan perspective.

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