2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jajuan Blankenship, DT, Southern Illinois University
- Name: Jajuan Samuel Blankenship
- Height: 6’0
- Weight: 288lbs
- Position: DT
- College: Southern Illinois University
- Twitter: @jajuanblank12
What is the best restaurant in your hometown city?
• JC’s, they have pretty good Birddogs
When breaking down your film what will stick out?
• The first thing will be relentless effort and playing through the whistle every single play. Next would be quickness and hand usage against OL. Lastly, I would say the strength and use of leverage.
If you won the lotto, what is the first thing you would do with the money?
• Invest in different stocks and buy some real estate
What has been your biggest failure?
• I end up leaving high school with 0 full scholarship offers
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
• Hardworking and encouraging
Who is the hardest working teammate on your team?
• I would say the whole team, everyone works hard and works out with a chip on their shoulders
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
•Yes, I have had a few, Juan, Juju, and JB
Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings
What is your degree in, if you do not make it as a football player, what is your dream job?
• I have an Associates of General Studies and a Bachelor’s of Science in Media Studies, with a minor in coaching. I would say my dream job is being a college or NFL coach of some sort, whether that is as a position coach or strength coach.
What is your coolest life moment?
• Taking part in the Netflix show “Last Chance U” was a pretty cool experience, and I end up being on the cover for the show which was cool for family and friends to see
What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
• Can You stand the Rain- New Edition
If you could pick any actor to play you in a movie, who are you picking?
• Denzel Washington
Who is your favorite football team?
• Carolina Panthers
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
• “Proceed at your own risk, animals ahead“
What is your biggest fear?
• Going through life, and not being able to have an impact on someone else
Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?
• Cam Newton
Take us through game day, How do you prepare?
• I start with a shower before we leave the hotel to start loosening up, and then watch more film in the hotel, as well as listen to music. Once we get to the stadium I change and go to the field to warm up. Once I get back in the locker room I put on all my equipment and sit in my locker with headphones on and a towel over my face with my eyes closed. I do this until it’s time to hit the field, after that, I take a knee, say a prayer, and then I am ready to go.
Do you have any hobbies?
• I would say working out, playing NBA 2K , and playing with my dog
If you had to compare yourself to someone in the NFL, who would that be?
• Grady Jarrett
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?
• My father, he’s always tried to point me in the right direction and instilled many traits in me that will stick with me forever.
What motivates you to work hard?
• I’ve been overlooked and counted out a lot over the years, I just want to take my story and let it inspire and motivate the kids growing up after me, to see that if you work hard & believe you can accomplish anything you want. There is no such thing as “too small”, and by me making it I can be an example of that for them.
