2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jalen Dummett, WR, Lamar University

• Name: Jalen Dummett
• Position: Quarterback/Wide Receiver
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 205 lbs
• School: Lamar University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southland Conference
• Twitter: dummettjalen

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: Criminal Justice

Extracurriculars: There is sometimes community service set up for the team so I participate in that 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I’m a hard worker – I lead by example

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

A playmaker – my skillset is diverse and I can be all over the field with the ball in my hands. I played a little bit of quarterback, running back, and receiver. 

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

Brandon Aiyuk in JUCO

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Hunter Batten, RB, transfer from Tarleton. He’s very hard working and going beyond expectations. 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

I never take my foot off the gas pedal – I’m never going to “coast through” anything unless it’s something like a walkthrough at practice. 

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

Getting out of Oakland – there wasn’t a lot for me there so I had to branch out and create my own network/resources. Also looking for a school after junior college that would fit me best. 

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

Basketball was the first sport that I played – football overshadowed it because it gave me a lot of attention. 

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

I’m most proud of sticking it out this long. There were supposed to be a lot of people in my same position but a lot of them couldn’t stay focused and fell off. 

I’m glad to still have a strong relationship with all of my family and former coaches. 

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

There was a zone-read or power-read run I had in junior college, ran it all the way in for a touchdown. It was more impactful because there was a lot on the line in that game and I was hurt the week before. 

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

Favorite player: Mike Evans

Favorite athlete: Derrick Rose

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Just being able to do what I love and knowing that it opens doors for me. 

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

In my spare time I hoop a little bit for cardio purposes. I also play video games a little bit and exercise my mind with crossword puzzles. 

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

I play for my mom, my little sister, and my brothers. My mom especially sacrificed a lot to get me where I am today. My sister had a lot of medical complications and I wanted to fight for her. 

One of my best friends passed away in high school after something happened at a party – we had dreams of going to the league. I’m trying to fulfill our dream. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m always going to work hard and I know I can always improve my knowledge of the game. Anything you ask me I will be able to handle it. 

Other notes: 

High school freshman year of high school I started on JV. Sophomore year I played varsity and was the starting quarterback. I broke my humerus and I was trying to get back fast, I was healthy for my junior year. Senior year was when all of the junior colleges started reaching out – I ended up going to Sierra which was four hours away from home. I learned from another freshman quarterback, and got the nod for the starting spot in the second year. Junior year the recruitment started to pick up and a lot of Division II schools reached out. Lamar was the most genuine with their recruitment and they took everything seriously – reaching out to coaches, always keeping me updated, etc. Now in my senior season I am making a full-time switch to receiver, I still might be a quarterback in certain formations but primarily as a runner.