2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaylen McDuffie, LB, Seton Hill

• Name: Jaylen McDuffie
• Position: LB
• College: Seton Hill (D2)
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 235
• Twitter: @DuffyDoe_ 
• Instagram: @duffydoe_

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

My versatility. In the scheme I play in, I’m asked to play a standup 3 tech, a 30-Will/ Mike linebacker, defensive end, as well as several coverage responsibilities.

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

I’ve been a football player since I was 3 a fell in love with the game ever since

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

I have a distinctive ability to make plays and affect the box in the run and the pass game.

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

I would try to get a couple of recreational centers back home for kids in my area because growing up we didn’t have any place like that to go to

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

I was told “the process itself and the journey is what makes everything worth it”

Who was your childhood hero? 

My parents were. They both introduced me to football and made sure I  had everything I needed from gear to support to play the game I loved everyday.

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

It’s hard to single 1 guy out but we have 3 phenomenal nose tackles who play every snap selflessly knowing they may not get their hands on a ball carrier, but by doing their job they make my job and othe defensive players jobs 100% easier. Those guys being Kevan Bowen, Dioh Desuah, Joshua Darisme

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When people don’t take their craft seriously, meaning people and players do not have a pure commitment to the responsibilities on and off the field

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

The hardest moment came in my recruiting where I had offers pulled due to the coaching staff getting fired not really knowing where I would end up. To pick Seton Hill and after my first year that coaching staff getting fired and not know how the new coaches would come in. Then most recently my position coach got a new job and got a new coach going into my final season. Through it all, I just kept working and pushing myself in all aspects of the sport. I did my best to not let things I couldn’t control affect me.

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

They gave me my first opportunity to play football at the next level and after my freshman year, my entire coaching staff got fired. But when the new coaching staff came in they treated every player as if they recruited them, which kept a good portion of the team together and helped our team chemistry grow.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Nachos

What is the best part of football? 

The mental aspect and preparation of football is the best part.

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

On and off the field I am a very organized, efficient, and high skilled person

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

Dont’a Hightower, was the Captain of a top-rated defense. His motor was unmatched, always chasing down plays. When he was on special teams he dominated it and played it like it was another rep on defense. He was so dominant in using his feet. He could affect the game without people truly seeing it taking away Qb throwing windows in coverage or setting the edge in run, just being a critical part in every defense he played in from college to the Pros.

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

1. Kobe Bryant- His work ethic was unmatched and he was willing to do anything to be the best and to show his competitors and teammates he won’t be outworked.
2. Ray Lewis- He was the best at his position when I was growing up and fell in love with his motivational speeches and the pure emotion he had while playing  
3. LeBron James- Besides his outstanding mentality in his sport, I grew deeper respect for LeBron after seeing everything he does in his community as well as his business ventures outside of the NBA. I know football won’t be forever but my impact off the field can leave a much bigger legacy than anything I do on the field