2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jahidi West, LB, Valley City State University

• Name: Jahidi West
• Position: LB
• College: Valley City State University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 205 lbs
• Twitter: @avo_jahidi
• Instagram: @avojahidi

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

Honestly my dad and brother are the reasons why I liked to play football. I like the physicality of football as compared to other sports. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite in game moment would be when I had 3 interceptions in the first half against Dickinson State. My favorite non game moment would just be fall camp being around my teammates building bonds.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My father is my inspiration because he is the epitome of hard work. He has showed me that nothing in life is given, everything has to be earned.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I am looking foward to going on a run with my team for a conference championship. I also want to show scouts that I can play at the next level. Just because I am a small school guy doesn’t mean I can’t compete with the best. 

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

I would want to hang with Lawrence Taylor because in my opinion he is the greatest defender to ever play the game. So I would want to pick his brain a bit and see what knowledge I can get from him.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Valley City State?

My favorite part about playing football here is that everyone wants you to be the best version of yourself. Whether that be on the field, in the classroom, in the community. Everyone here on the campus wants to see you win.

What should we know Jahidi West the person?

When it comes to me I am a very hardworking, reliable individual. I am a very heady guy when it comes to football, I love to learn the game as much as I love to play. I am someone that has great ball skills and can create a lot of turnovers.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme I would say is the 4-2-5 or the 4-3 because in the 4-2-5 I am able play more of a rover which I can display my skill set. But I also say 4-3 because I can also play inside the box and be a valuable part of the run game.

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

I try to kind of approach challenges on and off the field the same. I say the same because football is like life there will be good and bad days, but it is how you respond to those situations is the most important. So I try to have a W.I.N mentality which “What is Important Now.” Meaning that whatever has happened yesterday or last play doesn’t matter it is about the here and now.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would be getting an athlete with a lot of versatility. A guy that they can count on in any given situation and will go all out at all times. I am also someone that isn’t afraid of competition because I believe competing brings out the best in my abilities.

What stands out about your film the most?

I would say how my elite my ball skills are is the main thing that sticks out. There aren’t to many linebackers that have 12 interceptions in a 2-year span.

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

The most underrated player on my team I feel is our nose guard Vance Dumas. This guy is a true tun stopper in the middle of our defense and he doesn’t get the credit I feel he deserves. He eats up double and triple teams making others and my jobs a lot easier. We wouldn’t be a great defense without him.