2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jack Daly, DT, Bryant University

• Name: Jack Daly
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 315 lbs.
• Position: DT
• College: Bryant University
• Twitter: jackdaly50
• Instagram: jackdaly_1

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am majoring in Communications with a minor in Management. I have participated in a group called Woke Athletes which promotes diversity on campus. I’ve also volunteered with our team for local service projects like trash pickup and local school outreaches. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I lead from the front. During practice, I set an example so that other guys know the right things to do. I don’t talk a lot, but I do consider myself one of the team leaders. My teammates can rely on me to make plays on game day.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve played defensive line at the 3, 1, and 0 position in different schemes. I feel like I am best used as a 3-tech, giving me more space to make plays and commanding double teams. I’m also experienced at the 1-tech, having played that during my freshman season. We run a 3-man front often on 3rd and long plays. I take pride in my ability to guard the run and push the pocket. My coaches are good at moving me around, making sure that I am not stagnant, playing at multiple positions. I do a lot of stunts and move around well laterally.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The first player that really wowed me was Aaron Winchester at CCSU. He was a very mobile QB with great game speed. He was a player that we had to study a lot.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Kenny Dyson is a player that has undergone a great transformation over the past couple years. He’s very underrated, and I expect him to have a breakout season.

My OL never really gets enough credit. They make me better every day in practice. All of them are good football players.

Joe Andreeson is a fantastic playmaker for our defense. He does a great job of dropping into coverage and rushing the passer.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Coming into my freshman season, I was 260 lbs. I thought I was doing enough, but I had come to realize that I needed to do more. I needed to adjust my eating habits and weight room training in order to get to the next level and be where I wanted to be. I missed out on plays because I was smaller and hadn’t developed yet. I needed to change my body in order to be a dominant player.

My coaches really helped me through that process. Coach Marquise Watson was my DL coach as a freshman. He was the first person who truly believed in me. He was the one who first showed me the ropes. Coach Steven Daniels is the LB coach that I have a close relationship with. He was instrumental with me taking the weight room more seriously. With him having experience in the NFL, he knew what it took to get there and how I needed to mold myself in order to get there. Coach Goodwin is my DL coach now. He’s helped me with the finer details, pushing me to be an elite player. He has helped me with my footwork and hand placement as well as my development as a leader. I’m still developing yet I am much further along than when I first came in as a freshman. Many people had a hand in that, and I’m thankful for their assistance.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Basketball. I played a little in high school. I also enjoy playing golf. It’s the one sport where I can relax and focus on having fun.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of my development over the years and coming into a better position as a leader. Football has made me a better person overall, and I’m proud of all the work that I’ve put in to get me where I am now.

My biggest achievement is being a 2-time First Team All-Conference.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Back in 2019, on our Senior Day at home we were playing against Duquesne. They had a 3rd and long. I was running the passer and was able to hit the QB’s arm. That made him throw a “duck” of a pass, allowing one of my guys to get an interception. That helped us seal the victory.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Aaron Donald has been one of my favorite players over the years. I’ve been a Rams fan my whole life. I watch Aaron Donald’s game film a lot on YouTube. He’s just a different breed, and I try to incorporate some of what he does to my game. I compare myself more to Jeffery Simmons of the Titans though. He’s very physical and fast. He’s an impact player and a Pro Bowler, and I aspire to be a lot like him.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
21 Savage is my favorite artist. The song “My Life” by J.Cole and 21 Savage is something I go to before a game.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite snack is Skinny Pop. My mom’s pasta is one of my favorite meals

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I’m a fan of Brad Pitt. His movie Meet Joe Black is one of my favorites.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to hang out and spend time with my friends. I’ll occasionally play video games.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Football is the best sport in the world. I enjoy the violence of it, being able to hit people. I enjoy the team camaraderie and the uniqueness of the game, how every man needs to do their job in order for the team to succeed. I love the competitiveness of the game, and the lifetime bonds that are created with your teammates. I bonded with my dad at a young age, watching and playing football together. I know that he and my family are always in my corner. I am motivated to be the best version of myself and make others around me better. I always strive to be better than I was yesterday.