2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: KJ Kelley, DB, East Texas Baptist University

• Name: KJ Kelley
• Position: DB
• College: East Texas Baptist University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 185 lbs
• Twitter: @KJKelley26

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

What made me wanna play football is my dad he played in college I use to always look in his scrap book from college and be mesmerized, my pops made so many plays I couldn’t help but want to play football. Plus I just fell in love with the game my dad coached football so I was just always around the game.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite memories from my football life would one be in high school catching an out route on the sideline on my shoe laces or catching a corner out in the back of the end zone in double coverage but in college would have to be catching three interceptions in one game and in another game having two pick 6’s.

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

I’m looking to achieve to play at the highest level and help my team play on the biggest stages and achieve my maximum ability, gifts and talents.

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

It would have to be Ed Reed the reason I say Ed Reed is that he was just ball hawk and very physical, he had a tremendous football IQ which is big for a football player. Plus he was one of the best at what he did. He wasn’t very big but he was a missile and hit any and everything.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would have to say my dad he taught me discipline goes a long way in life in everything that I do and to do always do the right thing right way no matter the cost and also to always push and persevere in everything because it will pay off soon. He taught me how to be a man and to always be respectful and say what I think but in a respectful way.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Probably a 3-4 cover 3 scheme would have to be my favorite especially since most teams pass the ball I really enjoy roaming
The middle of the field or even going to cover 2 being able to have the corner over the top.

What should we know about KJ Kelley the person?

KJ Kelley is a laid back person. I’m really family oriented. I’m always spending time with my family. I’m a big movie guy, I have an old soul, I listen to a lot of have 70’s and 80’s music. I always have big smile on my face and laughing. I always try to make the best of any situation and like seeing the bright side of things. I’m always willing to go the extra mile for others. I love to travel and see and experience new things.

What stands out about your film the most?

I attack the ball at the highest point and I’m very physically at the point of contact plus I’m willing to run guys down.

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

I look to God first through prayer and reading my bible then I look to people older than me, wise people who have been where I’m trying to go I also handle situations by staying positive and speaking positive things over myself and the situation.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get out of me a player who is always willing to come to work every day and willing to go the extra mile for his team. They would get a leader and person that is honest and has self confidence and can bounce back from a mistake. I’m a great listener plus someone who has great football IQ and I’m not willing to back down from anything.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

What I love most about football is the memories made with my teammates that football brings guys together where the team is a family and everyone has to be on the same accord. Plus I love the competitiveness of the game and the grind it takes to be the best and you have other guys who are with you going through the same thing. Plus I love the road trips because those are some of the best memories. Even more so those guys on the team become brothers. I just love the game because there’s no other game like it and I get to hit people and make plays and help my team be successful.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I think one of the most underrated players I’ve played with is Kenneth Bradley “KJ”. The reason I say that is because people think since he’s small he can’t ball but are they are wrong. I mean the guy can just flat out just ball in any way on the field he made plays that are just exceptional and can hit he’s the definition of the hit stick.