2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Delonte Jones, LB, Tusculum University

• Name: Delonte Jones
• Position: LB
• College: Tusculum University 
• Height: 6′ 1″
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Twitter: @_DJones11

1. What sets you apart from other linebackers? 

I think that I have a very strong leadership skill and have had it my entire life. However, specifically as a linebacker, I feel I have to bring the energy everyday as well as the focus. As a leader, it’s my job to lead by example because everyone observes my actions. Therefore, whatever I don’t do on the field, the team might thinks it’s ok to do the same. As a leader, you must always lead by example.

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

The athlete I would choose to spend the day with would be Khalil Mack. I would want to ask him how does he face adversity in life, and what keeps him motivated to stay the greatest.

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

Coming onto the field, I feel I have to set the tone regardless of the day or my mood. No matter what’s going on, I’m the person that’s always going to wake everybody up with encouragement, motivation, and most importantly energy.

4. How do you prepare for games? 

I prepare myself throughout the week for games. During the week, I lock in and focus the most on learning the opponent’s plays so that when it’s time to play, I know what to expect and the best move to make to win. On game day, I am completely focused on the game and getting mentally prepared to win!

5. What is your favorite workout? 

I love a great core workout, especially when it’s the last workout of the day. You get to feel that burn and actually feel like you got 100% better after finishing the workout strong.

6. What should we know about Delonte Jones the person ? 

What you should know about Delonte Jones is that I’m great guy to hang around. I’m always the life of the party. I see it as if your not having fun in life then what are you doing. Not only is it just about having fun, but always having a positive mindset and positive vibe for others to feed off of.

7. What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite football moment was my first time starting in college. I just knew I had to give my all and show how hard I’ve worked getting here. I feel like I  worked so hard and been through so much to get to this point and now that I’m here, it’s time to make a statement and make it count.

8. What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season? 

This upcoming season, I’m looking forward to staying healthy and finishing the season strong. I’m also hoping to help the new group of guys I’ll be joining this fall season to winning another championship. I hope to make a big impact on Tusculum university and the community of Greenville, Tennessee.

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

I decided to be a football player because growing up, my older brothers played football as well as my father. Watching them, I’ve always wanted to get out there. As I grew up, I heard stories about my father in high school playing football and how great he was. Hearing so much gave me the motive to be even better then him at this game and go as far as the game takes me. Football is in our blood.

10. What would a team get in a player like you? 

A team would get a lot in a player like me. I’m a great leader, I’m going to always give my all no matter the circumstance, and I’m 100% motivated and committed to the game. I’m 10 toes for my coaches and teammates. Everyone knows that they can always depend on me. When it’s war time, it’s war time! I just hope my brothers are on the same page for me as I am for them.

11. What has been your biggest challenge in life?

My biggest challenge in life is facing adversity. My entire life, people have doubted me, some didn’t believe in me, and some envy me. My biggest challenge is realizing that despite the things people feel and say about me, I can be successful regardless. This has been an challenge for so long that I created a clothing line to represent it. It’s called “Dolce Vendetta” which forever means “Sweet Revenge”.

12. What do you love about the game of football?

What I love the most about football is meeting new people, learning new people, and learning new techniques. By me playing football, I’ve encountered some cool guys that I’ve built relationships with and they’ve turned into family. I probably would of never met my brothers if I didn’t play this sport. Football showed me a person can be a stranger when you first meet them, but can later turn into your brother forever.