2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaysen Thompson, LB, American International College

• Name: Jaysen Thompson
• Position: LB
• College: American International College
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Twitter: @Jaysenthompson1
• Instagram: @thereall42

What sets you apart from other linebackers?

The thing that sets me apart from other linebackers is my knowledge of the game and my instincts.
I pride myself on truly being a student of the game and being the most prepared player every
single time I step onto the field. I am also a natural-born leader that can demand control of the
defense and have guys rally behind me.

What should we know about Jaysen Thompson the person?

I am extremely family-oriented and hardworking. I am also very dependable and will show up
for my loved ones regardless of the circumstances. Lastly, I am a football junkie I truly enjoy
being a student of the game and studying those that came before me in this great sport.

What do you love about the game of football?

The thing that I love most about the game of football is the brotherhood. I have been fortunate
enough to play this game since I was 4 years old and have made a ton of lifelong friends because
of this great game.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
The way that I handle challenges on and off the field is by changing the narrative. Once you can
change your thought process and look at your challenges as something that is going to make you
a better person you can embrace those challenges and take them head-on.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment as a football player came this past season when I broke 300 career tackles.
This was a moment that I was able to be proud of and look back on all the sacrifices and obstacles
that I had to endure to get to this moment.

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

The game of football is a sport that I fell in love with ever since I started playing at the age of 4.
It has given me an outlet to be my authentic self and has provided me with plenty of
opportunities that I may have not received without the game of football.

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

If I could hang out with any football player for a day, it would be Willie Lanier. He is a player that I believe does not get the respect that he deserves. He is truly a pioneer at the linebacker position and is the reason we were all blessed with seeing other great linebackers like Lawrence Taylor and Ray Lewis. So as an upcoming linebacker to me it would be an absolute honor to pay homage to a pioneer in our sport and the linebacker position.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

Currently, since I played at the Division 2 level, I am focusing on playing in a few all-star games to get my name out there more and prove to scouts that I can play with a higher level of competition. I am also working out and training to become bigger, faster, and stronger.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

I believe that for a linebacker to be successful on the football field they must follow three steps every single play. Alignment, assignment, and technique. If you can do those three things every single play as a linebacker those will allow you to make a ton of plays and be successful.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team that is willing to take a chance on me will get a player that is extremely coachable and wants to learn as much of the game as possible. I am also extremely hard working and dependable. I will do whatever it takes to get to the next level and be successful.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I am looking forward to getting an opportunity to prove that I can not only make it to the next level but also make an impact on defense and special teams. I also want to enjoy this entire process and know that I gave everything in me to pursue my dreams.

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

Every single day I attack the field like it could be my last day and my energy matches that. I give 100% of what I have every single day for myself and my teammates. I think it is extremely important as a team captain to lead by example, so I make sure that I am giving everything in me so that my teammates will follow. My biggest fear as a player is leaving the field and feeling as though I had more energy to give out there.