2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Josh Jones, QB, UNC-Pembroke

• Name: Josh Jones
• Position: QB
• College: University of North Carolina-Pembroke
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 220 lbs
• Twitter: @josh12jones_

What is your favorite pass play and why?

My favorite pass play is one that has an option for any defensive look we could get. A play that is aggressive but also one that gives me the chance to be smart and stay ahead of the chains if the shot isn’t there.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

On the field I bring an energy that is calm and passionate. I enjoy celebrating with my teammates after big plays and moving on to do it again!

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I have many great memories of playing football. Learning to throw from my dad is definitely up there when I was younger, to having a successful high school career, to Coach Richardson giving me an opportunity to play college football, to making first team All MEC after our first season in the conference, but really what makes football great is the people I have been able to be around and the relationships I’ve formed.

What sets you apart from other quarterbacks?

Something that sets me apart from other quarterbacks is the fact that I have started for what will be five seasons in the fall. I have seen a lot of football and a lot of situations and know how to handle them, all while being able to make every throw on the field and move the chains with my feet when I need to.

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

I have always been a three sport athlete. I played football, basketball, and ran track in high school. My mom is a high school A.D. and coach so being around athletics was always a thing growing up. Football has always been that number one sport. There is no better feeling than preparing and winning games with my teammates, together and having fun doing it. The grind it takes to be successful and to always have to learn and grow are things that really draw me to the sport.

How do you prepare for games?

Throughout the week, we prepare by going over down and distance situations. I try to pick up on some cues that the defense gives away from film and apply those cues to our call sheet. Another important piece of prep I do is communicating with our O.C. about certain situations to make sure I am on the same page as him so we can put our team in a position to be successful.

What should we know about Josh Jones the person?

I am an intentional person. I find purpose in anything I am doing. I enjoy spending time with my teammates and coaches. I love the game of football and I’m very passionate about it. I take every aspect of the game seriously. Really, I am a football junkie!

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

I would probably hang out with Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady. What those guys are able to do on the field is incredible. To be able to learn from them would be a great opportunity.

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

I have realized that football and life resemble each other a good amount. They both present adversity in different ways that cause you to have to be ready and able to adapt. Adapting both in life and during a game is something that I strive to able to do.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player that off the field they can count on to do the right thing, be dependable, and one that will impact and serve others. On the field they are getting a player who is competitive, will put the team in a position to be successful, and one who can make every play/throw on the field.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Our team is talented on both sides of the ball. We have the best coaches in the nation and we are excited to put it all together and make some noise. We play a strong schedule against really good competition.

If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it which 5 traits would be up there?

Athletic, big arm, coachable, accurate, and even-keeled.