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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jacory Rankin, WR, Mississippi Valley State

Jacory Rankin the wide receiver from Mississippi Valley State recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds
  • Name: Jacory Rankin
  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Weight: 185 lbs
  • School: Mississippi Valley State University
  • Level: Division I FCS – Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
  • Twitter: jacory_1
  • Instagram: sp33dy_6

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?

Major: Engineering Technology

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Being competitive – everyday at practice I compete as hard as I can 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Being a leader – I have been at MVSU for three years

I’m an athlete so I can play wherever – outside, in the slot, in the backfield even. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Fred Peters – went from JUCO to Mississippi State

Jamar Richardson – went from JUCO to Ole Miss to South Alabama 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Dontavious Porter, TE – Can run routes the same way smaller receivers can and is also a great blocker

Ronnie Thomas, DE – All-Conference and only 5’8”

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

My freshman year my dad called me and told me he had cancer. I was going through a lot and it limited my on-field performance. He told me to not worry and to just go play ball – he’s been doing good ever since. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I’m simply proud of making it this far and becoming a Division I football player. Last season I broke one of Jerry Rice’s school records which is my most notable on-field achievement. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Against FAMU – I had a bad first half but ended up finishing the game with 147 receiving yards. Had two big plays that can be looked at “momentum shifters” 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

All-time favorite player: Reggie Bush 

Favorite team: San Francisco 49ers 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Just thinking about everything I’ve been through to get to this point – wanting to make plays. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I like to fish and hunt – coming from a small town in the country that’s something almost everyone likes to do. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I play the game for my family and I’m inspired by my older brother – he played JUCO and went to North Carolina A&T. 

Other notes:

Went to Port Gibson HS in Mississippi – played multiple offensive positions and the team wasn’t great until my senior year. Attended Jones JUCO because I wanted to stay closer to home and build something bigger than what EMCC had (an already established program). Entire receiving core was the same grade. Suffered first big injury the same year. Started playing special teams the next year to get more playing time – however there weren’t many big offers on the table. Eventually landed at MVSU and was a perfect fit. Fulfilled my dream of playing DI football and pushed me to work even harder. 

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