NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Jake Sutherland, TE, Morehead State
What is your name?
Jake Sutherland
What is your Height/Weight?
6’5″ 253lbs
What is your position?
Tight End
Where do you play college football?
Morehead State University
Where are you from?
Ortonville, MI
Who is your role model, and why?
My father. He was been my biggest supporter since I can remember. He spent countless hours with me when I was growing up and through high school driving me where I needed to be, helping me train for athletics, and helping me study for school. I owe everything to him and I wouldn’t be in the position I am in academically and athletically without him. I aspire to be a father like he has been for me for my kids when I’m older.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Dr. Gonzalez. She was my teacher for many classes in college and my academic advisor.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Basketball and Baseball
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?
Throughout my collegiate career I never went up against someone that I felt dominated me or made me feel outmatched.
Who is the most underrated player on your team?
Christian Robinson, Slot Receiver
What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?
Trials and Tribulations by Ace Hood
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
I don’t think I try to emulate a certain player in the NFL. However, I think I play similar to Rob Gronkowski. He takes pride in blocking and makes those tough catches. He can also line up in the slot and be impactful from that position.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
My senior year in high school I broke my arm the second week of the season. I lost most of the schools that were interested in me. My friends and family helped me get over my injury and pushed me to keep working towards my dream of playing D1 football.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I do. I go through my normal routine of getting dressed and listening to music through headphones. About 10 minutes before I have to be out on the field I listen to a speech by Eric Thomas called “Everybody wants to be a beast.”
What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?
I had a one-handed catch my senior year against Liberty. I dove out behind the defender and caught it left handed. The amazment of the 20,000+ fans at their stadium was unbelievable to me.
What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?
My past four years at Morehead, I volunteered to help McBrayer elementary with their annual Fall festival. Their students come in and we talk to them and help run little activities and games they play for prizes.
Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Detroit Lions
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
My grandfather, and my Mother’s real parents I never met.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com