2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaylan Thomas, RB, Samford University

• Name: Jaylan Thomas
• Position: RB
• College: Samford University (Transfer from Elon)
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight:190 lbs
• Twitter: @jaylanthomas3

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

I would say it was a family thing as a kid growing up watching the success of most of my family and when I was watching them working out and out there on the football field I thought I was destined to play football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments is signing my letter of intent to play football at Elon University and another is where I lived alot of family members played at the same high school and one time when I got of the field my older brother said I past him as the best brother and that just showed I gained the respect from my family and peers and teammates on the football field.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My brother inspired me the most just because of his journey and how he became a man and his story through football and life.

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

A business type mindset and when I’m on the football field the only thing that matters is what happens between the white lines.

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

Knowshon Moreno, growing up I am a kid from Georgia, Knowshon was huge in football in Georgia. So it would be awesome to hang out with him and I also try to mimic him on the football field.

What is a moment that improved you the most as a football player?

My freshman year, my first career game at Elon University I fumbled the football against Richmond the scored the next play after to tie the game so I learned that you just have to have a next play mindset.

What should we know about Jaylan Thomas the person?

That he has always been and will always be a team player and he has discipline on and off the football field. And I live life where as long as you wake up the next day you have a chance to get better.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Gap scheme, because whether it’s counter of power you can get through one gap faster and get downhill.

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

I take the approach of always taking a positive out of a negative and that every loss has a lesson that you can learn so that will not happen again.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A versatile player who doesn’t mind blocking, running, catching the ball ten to twelve times a game. A guy who is more about team success than individual success.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to getting a chance to not only compete at a high level but make an impact on and off the football field at a new school and showing that I can run, catch and pass block.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Bryson Daughtry, and his skill set and the way he plays the game and the way he prepares is incredible and I’m excited to see what he does this year.