2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joseph Sayles, S, Eastern Kentucky University

• Name: Joseph Sayles
• Position: Safety
• College: Eastern Kentucky University 
• Height: 5’11 3/8
• Weight: 200
• Twitter: Sjo_fficial
• Instagram: Sjo_fficial

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect at my position in the 2023 NFL draft is my IQ and awareness of the game. I am a smart football player. From offensive concepts to defensive job descriptions; I am aware in certain coverages that offenses like certain plays/routes that exploit the defense; which then allows me to play 1 step faster because I know what is coming.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was probably first interested around 11, but didn’t start playing until 8th grade. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I am a harder worker and have a high level of passion for football. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

One specific cause I would help is our continuing movement of Black Lives Matter. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I ever received is that it is essential to see yourself doing whatever you’re passionate about. If you are in sales, see yourself making $100,000 in commission. If you’re a surgeon, imagine yourself making that life-saving surgery. Always imagine yourself in that moment.

Who was your childhood hero? 

I don’t think I had childhood hero

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

The most underrated person in my locker is Kelton Dawson.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people smack on their food. Please close your mouth. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life I had to overcome was my injury. Unfortunately, situations do happen, but it hurts a little more when it happens going into your senior year. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

What makes Eastern so special to me is the community around football. From players, coaches, alumni, fans, sponsors and more. It has always been a blessing to be around people who are passionate in the things you love to do. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is a honeybun with an Arnold Palmer

What is the best part of football?

Training; Fine tuning your skills until game time is what we do year round. It makes the prize worth the wait. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

Next 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Minkah Fitzpatrick 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Michael Jackson. He is probably top on my all time artist list. Brandon Marshall. I have been watching the I AM ATHLETE podcast, and it has been interesting learning about him and his career. Rick Ross. He is a forreal boss and I respect him.