2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nash Jensen, OL, North Dakota State University

• Name: Nash Jensen
• Position: OL
• College: North Dakota State University
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 328 lbs
• Twitter: @jense011
• Instagram: @nash.jensen66

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

When I was younger playing house league basketball, which was my first sport, all of my teammates families would say “you belong on a football field”. That went on for a year and then the next season of basketball my first football coach just wanted me to go tryout for the local youth football fully convinced I would be able to play QB but that didn’t work out too well because I was a 6’ tall 220 lb 7th grader and I never looked back.

What are your favorite moments moments your football life?

It’s really hard to pick out just one moment but winning the 2018-2019 season National Championship is probably #1 because that was the first championship I actually played in and it was probably one of if not the most fun I’ve had playing football.

What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

I have always been very prideful on my athletic ability in the field. You see a lot of guys 325+ like me not able to move like I can. I think my physicality also sets me apart from a lot of guys no matter the level FBS or FCS as well. All offensive lineman want to be physical but it’s a very different mentality here at NDSU.

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

If I had to put a name to it I would call it controlled aggression. I like to be calm on the field and never get too high or low but every play I am going to move a grown man from point A to B against his own will.

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

Probably Taylor Lewan. His personality just seems to be different from other guys in the league but he is also very knowledgeable with the game so if I had to pick his brain on things I know it would be great information that I could take and implement into my own game.

What are your favorite things about playing football for North Dakota State?

I think my favorite thing is the family and tradition of NDSU. No matter who the guy or coach is they are going to be there for you no matter what the situation is in your life or theirs. Then I would have to say just the mentality every guy has when on the field and in the weight room. Everyone is there to get better during every rep and we are all pushing each other to be better and to live up to the standard that has been set for years.

What should we know about Nash Jensen the person?

I am a huge nerd. Whether it’s Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anything like that I love it. Another thing is that I want to be the guy that anyone can come to for help. Whether you need your car jumped, need tips on technique, or just to talk I want to be there for them.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

A Gap Power. I think if you watch our film it kind of speaks for itself on how fun it is to run our brand of power. Nobody runs it the way that we do no matter how much teams try to replicate it.

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

I think the best thing you can do is to go about your business the way you always have been. Keeping to your routine and finding those who will always be there for you to lean on whether in life or in football is very important to me to be able to stay even keeled mentally and physically during hard times.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a guy who is ready to learn. I think I am very coachable and am able to apply what I am told and shown by coaches to my game very quickly whether it be in Indy drills, work I do on my own and then applying them to team periods.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m really looking forward to making the most of my final season with my brothers and going home with another championship. I am also excited to keep learning and growing as a person and as a player with the leadership of our coaches. I am also looking forward to accomplishing all of the goals I have set for myself and also our team goals.

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

Most underrated I’ve ever played with is probably my high school teammate MarMar Hughes. Guy was an absolute dog and made anything he did athletically look effortless. Insanely athletic and smart with the game. We had to put him at QB my senior season just because he could throw the ball 60 yards on a rope. I think he’s definitely most underrated.