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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jamal Woods, DL, University of Illinois

Jamal Woods the standout defensive lineman from the University of Illinois recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
Jamal Woods the standout defensive lineman from the University of Illinois recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Jamal Woods
  • Position: DL
  • College: University of Illinois
  • Height: 6’2 3/4″
  • Weight: 290 lbs
  • Twitter: @jamal4425
  • Instagram: @jamal4425

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

Growing up in a household with my siblings we were very active when it came to being outside. Pickup basketball games, football games, or whatever kept us engaged. Looking up to my brother who was a football player at that time allowed me to follow his footsteps of becoming a football player. I love the game since 7 years old.

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

Looking forward into the future I want to achieve the goal of being the best me. I have to do everything with all of my ability. To look back and say that I gave it all I got would be a huge achievement. If I do that then I know the NFL life is going to be great for me.

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

It would probably be Aaron Donald because that’s a guy I look up to. I try and watch his film to try and perfect my craft. I would hang with him and try to pick up on some of his daily routine to see if I can incorporate it in my routine.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Favorite football moment in life is when my team came back and won our game vs Wisconsin in 2019. To know that I had a huge contribution to winning that game allowed me to feel very proud of myself. We later went on to become bowl eligible for the first time under Coach Smith.

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

It would be my mom because growing up she always showcased on what it means to be a hard worker and dedicated to changing her families lives. My mom has worked two jobs since I was a young kid. She allowed me to pick up her hardworking traits so I can go make what need to be for her to stop working.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I like to play in a 3 man scheme because the ability to play a gap and a 1/2 is great for making a lot of plays. I believe it confuses an offense with ways to scheme. Allows you to do a few different things out of that front also.

What should we know about Jamal Woods the person?

That this guy knows how to do it all from playing football to making meals to putting together a house. I try and learn as much as possible to make my life easier down the road. I feel as if the more you know the better you would be in life. I always go hard at whatever I do, so whatever it is I will make sure I’m one of the best at it.

What stands out about your film the most?

I’m a guy who is going to hustle on every opportunity I get. Since high school you turn on my film you will see me running all over the field. It’s in my DNA to play with a high motor. It allows me to make plays that others would have a hard time to make.

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

You have to keep you head up and keep grinding. The way I handle those challenges is to remember the reason I doing the things I do. What is my purpose? This allows me to go even harder at the things that I am doing. Sometimes there are minor setbacks for a more successful life.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They will get a guy with a work ethic, someone who is smart, someone who is willing to do whatever the coach wants them to. They would get a guy who is not afraid to be themselves and to put the team first in situations to help win.

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

I love how it’s a sport that requires the most teamwork out of any other sport. A game where it takes all 11 to complete a mission on both sides of the ball to win. Any 1 error could cause a problem so teamwork and dependability is huge with this sport.

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

The most underrated player I have played with might have to be a guy by the name of Dele Harding. I seen this guy have a motor unlike no one in his position. He was 2nd in the nation I believe in tackles in 2019 and was to me the best linebacker in college that year. His ability to break down film and know what’s going to happen within every play is amazing.

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