2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jajuan Blankenship, DT, Southern Illinois University

• Name: Jajuan Samuel Blankenship 
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 288lbs
• Position: DT
• College: Southern Illinois University 
• Twitter: @jajuanblank12

What is the best restaurant in your hometown city? 

• JC’s, they have pretty good Birddogs

When breaking down your film what will stick out? 

• The first thing will be relentless effort and playing through the whistle every single play. Next would be quickness and hand usage against OL. Lastly, I would say the strength and use of leverage. 

If you won the lotto, what is the first thing you would do with the money? 

• Invest in different stocks and buy some real estate 

What has been your biggest failure? 

• I end up leaving high school with 0 full scholarship offers 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• Hardworking and encouraging 

Who is the hardest working teammate on your team?

• I would say the whole team, everyone works hard and works out with a chip on their shoulders 

Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?

•Yes, I have had a few, Juan, Juju, and JB

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

What is your degree in, if you do not make it as a football player, what is your dream job? 

• I have an Associates of General Studies and a Bachelor’s of Science in Media Studies, with a minor in coaching. I would say my dream job is being a college or NFL coach of some sort, whether that is as a position coach or strength coach.  

What is your coolest life moment? 

• Taking part in the Netflix show “Last Chance U” was a pretty cool experience, and I end up being on the cover for the show which was cool for family and friends to see 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night? 

• Can You stand the Rain- New Edition

If you could pick any actor to play you in a movie, who are you picking? 

• Denzel Washington 

Who is your favorite football team?

• Carolina Panthers 

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

• “Proceed at your own risk, animals ahead“

What is your biggest fear? 

• Going through life, and not being able to have an impact on someone else 

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

• Cam Newton 

Take us through game day, How do you prepare? 

• I start with a shower before we leave the hotel to start loosening up, and then watch more film in the hotel, as well as listen to music. Once we get to the stadium I change and go to the field to warm up. Once I get back in the locker room I put on all my equipment and sit in my locker with headphones on and a towel over my face with my eyes closed. I do this until it’s time to hit the field, after that, I take a knee, say a prayer, and then I am ready to go. 

Do you have any hobbies? 

• I would say working out, playing NBA 2K , and playing with my dog 

If you had to compare yourself to someone in the NFL, who would that be? 

• Grady Jarrett

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

• My father, he’s always tried to point me in the right direction and instilled many traits in me that will stick with me forever. 

What motivates you to work hard?

• I’ve been overlooked and counted out a lot over the years, I just want to take my story and let it inspire and motivate the kids growing up after me, to see that if you work hard & believe you can accomplish anything you want. There is no such thing as “too small”, and by me making it I can be an example of that for them.