NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: James Ward Jr., RB, Assumption College

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner.

What is your name? 

James Ward Jr

What is your Height/Weight? 

5’8 188

What is your position? 

RB

Where do you play college football? 

Assumption College

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field? 

During the season a few of my teammates and I will go to a local elementary school and read to the kids or play with them them during their recess.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Hardest class that I’ve ever taken was Intermediate Accounting I & II.

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut.

Who is your role model, and why? 

I have two role models. One being my father whose been in my life since birth and guided me to be the God fearing man that I am today. He introduced me into all the sports I’ve played in life and has taught me great principles about life and fatherhood. The second is my older brother Jordan. He’s my best friend and with his accomplishments as well as mistakes has shaped me to go the route I’ve gone to. I always aspired to be like him when I was younger and no matter what he’s always in my corner and making sure that I’m doing the correct things to better my future.

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Growing up, I started playing basketball, soccer, and baseball. As I got older, I traded soccer for football and also ran track and field throughout high school.

Did you play any other positions in football? 

I’ve played wide receiver and kick return and punt return.

At your position, what separates you from others? 

At my position I’m very versatile. I’m a hard and patient runner, who can run between the tackles and also on the edge. I can catch out of the backfield as well as line up as a slot receiver and run routes. I’m not afraid to block and sacrifice my body to protect the pocket.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When I break down film, I look at all tendencies for the d-line and line backers. I want to see who’s the fastest and the strongest. If the team blitz often I want to be able to know where it’s mostly coming from and what coverages that they will be in.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

The toughest player I’ve ever faced is Jared Casey, who’s plays the role of a Safety/Linebacker on my team. He’s has a real nose for the football and always tends to find me during practice no matter if it’s a run or pass.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why? 

I would compare myself to Darren Sproles. He’s a multi purpose back who does it all from the run game, pass game, and return game. Anything can happen once the ball is in his hands.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

One of the biggest obstacles I had to face was losing my best friend during this past season to gun violence. I was able to get through it by the grace of God, my family and teammates. I made sure to take him with me on the field and he was my angel that helped me play even harder in his honor.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

I listen to Jazz and R&B songs. One gospel song and rap. I have to listen to Future and J. Cole. In addition, I’m also the last person to walk out the locker room.

What is your biggest strength? 

Biggest strength would be my speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the back field. My versatility helps me succeed above measures.

What is your biggest weakness? 

Biggest weakness would be blocking. Being a small running back, most defensive players will use the bull rush technique. I have to be able to out smart them and think two steps ahead of them.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say? 

I would tell the GM, you’re getting a player who can play more than one position. A hard worker and selfless team player who strives to be the best football player that he can be!

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

My favorite player growing up is Terrell Davis and the Denver Broncos.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose? 

Lebron James because a he’s my favorite athlete of all time. My God Mother Lynn Shaw who’s not alive anymore. I would want to ask her if she’s proud of me and hope I’m keeping her smiling in the heavens. J Lo because she’s been my crush since I was a kid.

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

I would buy my parents a house even though they deserve so much more.