2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jalen Jones, OL, Mississippi Valley State University

• Name: Jalen Jones
• Position: OL
• College: Mississippi Valley State University
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 300 lbs
• Twitter: @ja75n
• Instagram: @ja75nj

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

Watching my older brother play when I was younger definitely was key and waking up on Sundays and seeing my household all repping their different NFL teams was definitely fun.

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

I just want an opportunity to live out my dreams I will be content with just the opportunity but to prove that I can play with the best keeps me motivated. I have been dreaming of this since I was 6 and just the opportunity means everything and then to build on that and making a successful career out of it.

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

From a fans perspective it would definitely be Peyton Manning just form growing up a Colts fan. But for a day I’d love to meet with Jason Peters because in his prime was one of the best I would love to pick his brain.

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

My mom for sure she’s always showcased how strong she is and never complains even through sickness she never makes an excuse and gets things done for me and my younger brother.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My journey alone has been a unique one the relationships I’ve developed over time from juco to Jackson state and Mississippi Valley has all been memorable from playing in the Southern Heritage classics, Juke Box classics it was all fun. The opportunity to call Deion Sanders, Coach Prime is also pretty high up there.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Any balanced attack I like to play in open field on pulls and screens, but I also can play smash mouth football. Earlier in my college career I did a lot more pulling because of the schemes but my last school was more hit them in the mouth.

What should we know about Jalen Jones the person?

Humble person hard worker and a God fearing man. Great teammate and person and over the last year developed into a great leader which was something I had to learn.

What stands out about your film the most?

It’s a team sport in my opinion it’s not the pancakes but it’s where our runs always hit if I’m play side the run hits play side and if I’m on the backside the rb usually cuts backside and then the physicality I feel stands out.

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

Personally prayer has always worked for me just pray through every situation and take it a day at a time. I also reflect on my past and the things I’ve been through to remind myself that I’ve been through worse.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A hard working great teammate who knows the game very well and always eager to learn more. A player who can take coaching and who coaches can depend on when it counts. Humble and great person on and off the field.

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

The bonds you build last a lifetime and it’s really hard to find that in any of other sport or aspect of life. Getting to know 60 plus guys and bonding with the as a team is very rare outside of football.

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

There’s a lot of guys that could go on that list but Keonte Hampton without a doubt one of the smartest teammates I have ever had.