Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Jake Rodgers, OL, Eastern Washington University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Jake Rodgers        

What is your Height/Weight?

6’6” 315

What is your position?

OT/OG

Where do you play college football?

Washington St 2010-2012 Eastern Washington 2013-2014

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

3

How did you choose your school?

Lifetime Washington State fan, close to home, pac 12 team

Where are you from?

Spokane, Washington

Who is your role model, and why?

As far as football is concerned I’ve always marveled at guys like Walter Jones and Jason Peters who are just freakishly athletic and powerful for their size

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Yes, many seem to think that my skills probably translate best to guard at the next level and that among the other things I do well my versatility to play multiple spots makes me an asset

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Played baseball as a young kid and basketball all through high school

Did you play any other positions in football?

Played high school as a tight end/ D end got moved to tackle in college

At your position, what separates you from others?

Versatility, physicality, good technique, intelligent football player, play with patience in pass pro, and good but not elite athleticism

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

I start broad and get a feel for scheme and tendencies, then I look at individual players and get a feel for each one and what they like to do then I try to pick out any tips or tendencies from those players
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Anthony Barr

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

Not entirely sure on that. no one comes to mind

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

Well my dad just recently passed away a little over a month ago right before I was set to start training for pro day. I’ve been lucky to have a great family and group of friends and people who care about me. It’s also what I know he would have wanted me to do and he would be very proud of me and that helps a lot

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Lots of small rituals nothing note worthy though

What is your biggest strength?

My competitiveness

What is your biggest weakness?

Dealing with elite speed rush

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

That if you look at my film over the years ive made drastic improvements as a player every year and I don’t intend on that stopping

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Seattle Seahawks, favorite players varied a lot between Walter Jones, Donovan Mcnabb, Brian Dawkins, and Jared Allen

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

Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, and my Dad