2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jadrian Taylor, DE, UTEP

• Name: Jadrian Taylor
• Position: DE
• College: UTEP
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 246

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Interdisciplinary studies degree – graduated last semester

Associates degree in Kinesiology from JUCO 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Being a real and genuine guy – I want to always be there for my teammates. They value my experience. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Primarily I am a pass-rusher and my eyes are always on the quarterback, occasionally they put me in coverage though in the linebacker spot 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Praise – we are a dynamic duo together 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My speed – I’m faster than most edge rushers at 4.5 40 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Being a walk-on at Kilgore (JUCO), whether you are on scholarship or not that lifestyle is difficult and the same goes with the game. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would do shot-put. I used to do track and the two go hand in hand. I have the shot-put record at my high school. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Becoming an FBS player and going to a Bowl game after not having any offers in high school. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

JUCO – I had a game-winning sack in 3OT against Tyler

Had a game-sealing sack/QBH against Old Dominion 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite player: Matthew Stafford

Favorite team: Detroit Lions

I model my game after Von Miller, he’s my favorite pass rusher. I also look at Micah Parsons for his versatility as a hybrid DE/LB. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Music – slow jams and R&B mostly 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I’m a big gamer – I do a lot of streaming on twitch. I’ve got to a point where I can make money off it. Occasionally I get into the studio and make music. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I knew that this sport was the only real way out of my city. I didn’t want my family to be stuck there either. Ultimately, this has become a stress reliever for me. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m a hard worker, a good leader, and an excellent knowledge of the game. 

Other notes: 

In 8th grade I was already practicing with the varsity high school team – it was a smaller school which is why I was able to do that. Then I moved 45 minutes away and ended up on the freshman team. Tried me out at a few spots but DE was the best. This varsity team was stacked so sophomore year I went to JV. When I finally got to varsity junior year, I only played a few snaps on special teams. Senior year I logged my first start on varsity with a new defensive coordinator and finished strong with 7 sacks (team-leading). I was expecting to get offers easily but they never came, which took a hit on my confidence. Kilgore JUCO was recommended to me by a friend and I went up for a tryout. My first year at Kilgore with the walk-on program we became champions, and the next year we lost the conference championship on a lost fumble. That was my best game at Kilgore, it’s a shame we couldn’t pull out the win. UTEP recruited me and I decided that was my best option given the current situation. My first year with the old DC I wasn’t great, I was playing in the wrong system. Last year was a complete turnaround with some new staff.