2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jamion Franklin, DT, Duke University

• Name: Jamion Franklin 
• Position: Defensive Tackle 
• College: Duke 
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 305 
• Twitter: jamion_franklin 
• Instagram: j__shmoney 

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

I believe that I’m a top prospect at my position in the 2024 draft class because of the way that I play the game with pad level, physicality , unselfishness. I am a player that utilizes my strengths in my physical stature. I hold the point. Create disruption on the LOS. Protect my linebackers. Along with create opportunities for the DT that plays along side of me. Playing as a true nose guard I still have flashes and athleticism that allow me to move at a high level to make plays. 

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

 I have always been interested in playing football since I was a young child but wasn’t fortunate enough to play the game until 7th grade. That’s when I fell in love with the game at the age of 12 years old.

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

NFL teams should know that I’m a hardworking individual that is very family oriented. I’ve gone through more adversity than any young man should go through at a young age and it’s molded me into the man I am today. I pride myself in being a selfless individual that is team oriented. I have worked my way from the bottom, taken risks, bet on myself and have earned everything that I have invested time for. 

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

My family has been plagued with bouts with cancer for consecutive points in my life. I would donate to as many cancer society’s as possible to help those in need especially ones who have experiences that pain and fear that I have. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I ever received was to always bet on yourself. No matter the circumstances continue to believe in yourself and push yourself. At the end of the day you really only have you, once you lose that foundational support from within you are very far gone. 

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

The most underrated teammate from my locker room is Edge Ryan Smith. He started as a linebacker, didn’t have the oath he wanted and was switch to being an Edge player. Started on every special teams unit and just continues to work into a dependable player and guy. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when people take things for granted and belittle other people. There are many people that do things that are not enjoyable but essential to keep life moving in the right directions. Ex janitors. I hate when people leave a mess for others to clean it. 

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

There has been a multitude of adversity thrown my way, the hardest moment of my life was going away for college while my father still had cancer and getting injured in my first game time action. It was demoralizing to experience such unfortunate events consecutively especially being a young man on his own for the first time in his life. 

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

Duke is a special place because of the inclusive environment it presents along with its support of providing everybody with a desire to pursue excellence  in any capacity a chance. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Charcuterie board 

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is the physicality. You get to hit people and move people against their own free will and not get in trouble for it. The relief that comes from playing the game is an indescribable feeling. 

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

This guy is the epitome of what it means to be a hardworking, persevering, respectful individual that displays integrity and passion.   

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

I would compare my game to former Kansas City Chief Khalen Saunders. Being an undersized nose-guard with power and athleticism to push the pocket and make plays behind the LOS

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

I would have dinner with Lebron James , Reggie White, and Gabriel Iglesias

1. Lebron because he’s always been a role model and inspiration would love to hear his take on the world. 
2. Reggie White again another inspiration in how dominant he was. Learned the “hump” move from him and put it into my game immediately. To pick his brain would improve my game. 
3. Gabriel Iglesias just how funny he is would be enough for me and I’m sure he can eattt.