2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jacob Saylors, RB, East Tennessee State University

• Name: Jacob Saylors
• Position: RB
• College: East Tennessee State University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 200 lbs
• Twitter: @Saylors1k
• Instagram: @jsay8

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

Honestly I was kind of thrown into it as a kid with my older brother and I fell in love with it and the brotherhood and friends continue to make it fun.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Have been some of the games my team had to go through alot of adversity and even if we are losing those are the games that create the most bonds and it’s a great experience like this past season against Kennesaw State that was one of my favorite games.

What sets you apart from other running backs?

I’d say that there are certain aspects of my game that most running backs don’t possess I’m like a utility player and get other opportunities, that doesn’t matter if it’s blocking, running the ball or catching. To my coaches and teammates I can get thrown out there and do the job I am tasked with.

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

Definitely now with experience under my belt I’m a player my teammates can rely on and be very detail oriented and bringing the juice to the practice field and the sidelines during games.

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

Honestly LaDainian Tomlinson, he was someone I looked up to highly as a kid watching his celebrations and commercials but I feel like he has been through alot and can share alot of valuable information and wisdom with me. I feel like we come from similar backgrounds and it would be a great time, hanging out with someone like him.

How do you prepare for games?

Preparation starts early in the week getting an ice bath and soft tissue massages from the training staff and the day after the game I start watching film to get a look on my next opponent to see what the defense is going to throw at me. My night before pregame meal is usually chicken alfredo.

What should we know about Jacob Saylors the person?

I’m someone that’s always going to look at a positive in a situation no matter how dire it is and I’m a selfless person and I help my friends and teammates after practice or before if they need something I volunteer to do it.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

As only natural for a running back I like a play that has a running back and fullback in the backfield and I like to just run the ball straight up and the defense knows the ball is coming and still can’t stop it.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

When faced with a challenge I first look to God and leave it up to him but when a challenge occurs I go after it as hard as I can in anything and I also look to my family and friends for guidance as well.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a player not satisfied by meeting the bar but raising the bar and a guy that knows football and a guy who will not let other aspects get in the way and a humble individual going to give it his all and do things others aren’t willing to do.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Seeing just what our team is capable of with our new coaches and together as a team I’m looking to see what we are going to do and it’s my senior year and might be the last time I put the pads on for East Tennessee State University and I want to exceed expectations for myself.

If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it which 5 traits would be up there?

Detail oriented, perseverance, thoughtful, understanding and patient.