2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaylon Thomas, OL, SMU

- Name: Jaylon Thomas
- Position: OL
- College: SMU
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 310 lbs
- Twitter: @jaylonthomas10
- Instagram: @jaylonthomas_71
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
Probably my stepdad when I was growing up he was the one who pushed me to become a football player.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
The 2019 year when we went 8-0 and played Memphis and I got a 2 point conversion and we were really good and had a good brotherhood on that team.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I want to be one of the top offensive linemen to ever play the game and I’m very versatile and want to be one of the best.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
Tyron Smith, he’s one of the best offensive linemen to ever play the game.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My mom and my stepdad, my mom is the one who pushes me everyday and my stepdad was the one who got my into football.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
I’ve always played in a spread, air raid offense I’m not going to say it’s my favorite but I’m most familiar with it.
What should we know about Jaylon Thomas the person?
I’m driven, I’m a guy who loves to compete and wants to play at the highest level and is very versatile.
What stands out about your film the most?
A guy who played all 5 positions on the offensive line in his college career, who has a mean streak and can push people into the ground.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I take them head on. I’m really not scared of challenges so that’s why I take them head on.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A guy who plays all the offensive line positions and someone who they can rely on and is always available.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
Probably the fact I get to compete at the highest level against talented athletes and assert my dominance.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
James Proche II, I wouldn’t say he was truly underrated but he was small for his position and caught everything that was thrown at him and he is a hard worker.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen