2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jordan Boatman, OT, Sam Houston State

• Name: Jordan Boatman
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 305 lbs.
• Position: OT
• College: Sam Houston State University
• Twitter: Boatsohard
• Instagram: Boatsohard

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?
I graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Economics and a minor in Political Science. I recently got into grad school at Sam Houston, and I’m working on my Master’s in Business Administration.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say I’m a great teammate. I have a good work ethic and am one of the hardest workers on the team.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m a leader on the offensive line with a ton of experience. Being a 6th year player, I help out the young guys, and I am very accountable. During my time at Houston, I mainly played at RT although I practiced some at guard. Here at Sam Houston, I will be playing LT this season. I’m a solid pass protector who’s good in a zone blocking scheme. I also do a good job of getting to the edge.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
When it comes to my opponents, the best player has to be Zaven Collins at Tulsa. He and Trevis Gibson were part of a great defense.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Houston has been a DL factory to date, churning out some of the best players, first-rounders, and NFL talent like Ed Oliver, Payton Turner, and Logan Hall. I played against all of them. Derek Parish is there this season and the next in that line of great players.

Already during my time at Sam Houston, I’ve noticed the ability of Markel Perry. He is a solid athlete and a baller.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I had no D1 offers in high school and was a walk-on at Houston. I had to work my way up. During my 4th year, I broke my left foot. As that healed up and I got into fall camp, I began winning reps and was on pace to start on the offensive line. I hit a snag once again and ended up breaking my right foot. That put me in rehab for a good portion of the season. I was finally able to come back and start in our bowl game. By Spring of 2021, I had earned my scholarship.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. I played baseball up until freshman year of high school. I’m a lefty. I played first base and was a real homerun hitter.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Earning that scholarship is definitely what I am most proud of. It’s not easy to do, coming in as a walk-on. I’m also excited for my opportunity here at Sam Houston. They are a good program, and I will be making a key contribution to their team.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my most memorable moments happened during my first career start vs Tulsa in 2019. He called for a WR screen, and my job was to seal off the front side backer. Our offensive line escorted Jeremy Singleton 30 yards down the field and got us inside the 10 yard-line.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Being from the Houston area, I have always supported the Houston teams, being a fan of the Rockets, Astros and Texans. JJ Watt was my favorite athlete growing up. For guys at my position, I watch players like Lane Johnson, Tyron Smith and Mitchell Schwartz.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Future. Although, before games I will listen to a wide variety of music from Metallica to Eminem.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Freebirds is a Mexican Restaurant that I love going to. I also enjoy chocolate milk.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is the Dark Knight. Liam Neeson is one of my favorite actors. I enjoy watching the show The Boys on Amazon Prime.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a gym rat and enjoy lifting. I also like going fishing and hunting. One of my talents is that I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I’ve been playing my whole life. I started playing when I was 4 years old. I was a big kid who played with 6-year-olds. Along the way, I fell in love with the game. Nowadays, it has become an obsession. I am motivated by God and my family, and I hope to make them proud.