2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jacob Whitmer, WR, Colorado Mesa University
- Name: Jacob Whitmer
- Position: WR
- College: Colorado Mesa University
- Height: 6’6
- Weight: 220
- Twitter: @jakewhitty15
- Instagram: @jakewhitty15
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
I believe that my approach to the game is what makes me stand out. I come in everyday striving to be better than the last by learning from my mistakes and studying film. Being a student of the game has gotten me to this point in my career.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I first got interested in football around the age of 8. I bought my first Madden game, started watching games on TV and just fell in love with it.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
They should know that I don’t look for things to be handed to me. I’m going to come in and hold myself to a professional standard. Show up, do what’s expected and stay after and do a little more.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Any Down Syndrome Awareness charity. My sister had Down syndrome and growing up involved in her organization inspires me to make sure those kids get to experience the same things in life we can without feeling different.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“A narrow focus breeds huge results”
So many times people get caught up with the finished product and try to skip past the process. I use that advice to remind myself to enjoy the process.
Who was your childhood hero?
My older sister. Before she passed the way she wasn’t held back by a “disorder” to most. She strives each and everyday to be unapologetically herself while still being a sweet and genuine soul.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Isaac Maestas. He shows up everyday with the expectation of conquering whatever comes in front of him and leads by example.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I’d say people wasting others time. If you commit to something do not be half in half out. Commit to excellence or don’t commit at all.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
This past January I had faced two deaths in my immediate family within a span of 40 days. I lost my grandmother and sister. As a family man it’s tough going through loss, but having faith that they’re in a better place is what made the healing process better.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
The way life is around campus. We sit on the Western Slope of Colorado so we have tons of outdoor activities to get into as well as on campus the diversity and how everyone comes from different walks of life and can come together and learn in an environment that allows them to express themselves.
What is your favorite snack food?
Anything sweet. I have a weakness for going down the candy aisle at stores cause I always leave with more than I wanted.
What is the best part of football?
Best part of football is the fact that you can inflict as much pain in your body and be encouraged to do it all over again the next play. Imposing your will onto another person and making them fold.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
If you’re looking for someone who is looking to make an impact in the community, be a great teammate, and someone who comes to work expecting to get better at something new I am your guy.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Adam Thielen. He’s a D2 guy who holds himself to the standard that I do. He may not be the most athletic or explosive, but with the work he puts in he’s confident to go out there any given Sunday and put work in.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Russell Wilson. He’s a man of faith, family, and football. And he exemplifies every aspect of those traits very well, I would want to sit down and talk about partnering with local non profit organizations, visit hospitals, and just life. He seems like a man that gives great life advice because of everything he’s been through.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com