2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jason Mercier, DL, Jackson State University

• Name: Jason Mercier
• Position: DL
• College: Jackson State University
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Twitter: @Mercier801
• Instagram: @jasonmercier31

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

Back in middle school I used to be a basketball player and I didn’t start playing football until 8th grade as I was a big dude and in high school my coaches thought I should be a defensive lineman because I was very lengthy and able to bend the corner and that’s where it all began.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Back at Atlantic Community High School, we were down 3 scores and my homeboy scored a touchdown and we got all caught up and ended up winning the game.

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

I want to be able to be on an NFL roster and play some ball, even would change positions or special teams because I just love playing football.

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

Jason Pierre-Paul, just because he’s just a dog on the field and I wanted to compare my game to him when I was 260. I just want to know what kind of knowledge he had at that position and the way he played it.

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

My mom, just because I grew up with a single mother and my mom raised me from the ground up and just seeing her everyday lights a fire under me.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I don’t really have a favorite. I can play in any of them just because as I grew up in high school and college I was able to play for alot of coaches in alot of different schemes.

What should we know about Jason Mercier the person?

I got very good character skills, really passionate, outgoing, alot of guys look to me as an older guy and also as an adviser and I’m coachable.

What stands out about your film the most?

Once you turn on the film you will see me be aggressive to shed and slip through blocks at the point of attack and use my lengthy arms.

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

If you take it one play at a time and control what you can control you have to know you have to take it one step at a time to get through certain situations.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A player that is very coachable able to learn at a very quick pace, I’m a visual learner, and I have leadership skills and I’m a team player.

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

Just me being able to be on the field and block out all distractions and just worried about football.

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

Teair Tart, because as he was growing up he told me when we were in college together he was still figuring himself out and next thing you know he signed with the Titans and ever ever since then it’s been above and beyond for him.