2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jalyx Hunt, DE, Houston Christian University

• Name: Jalyx Hunt
• Position: Defensive End
• Height: 6’4.75″
• Weight: 251 lbs
• School: Houston Christian University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southland Conference
• Twitter: jalyx_hunt
• Instagram: lock.down_j

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

I am a business major. My goal is to be a business owner. Not sure of what yet, but I do like real estate. I am a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and I’m a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

What do your teammates say is your best quality? My best quality?

This is tough, but if I had to guess I’d say my ability to lead by example. I never ask anyone to do something I’m not willing to do myself.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set? 

I see myself as a motivator. No matter what’s going on, whether we’re up or down on the scoreboard, in practice…no matter what. I try to stay focused and keep my morale up. Honestly, I can play a 3-4 or a 4-3. I can play a 3-4 because of my experience at safety and corner. At outside linebacker, I can drop into coverage and can come down and make plays or I can play a 4-3 coming off the edge standing up, or with my hand in the dirt.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

I don’t really remember a player that has stood out so much that I left the game thinking, “Wow!” Phazion McClurge was on my team, but he was the best person I got reps against.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most? 

I don’t have just one teammate that impresses me the most. I’m luckily surrounded by a lot of people I admire for the different attributes that they show and have.

What makes you different from others at your position? 

The things that make me different in my position are my football IQ, speed, agility, and athleticism.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle. 

Actually, I just recovered from being sick for a couple of months with some combination of the flu and COVID. I couldn’t keep any food down, I was tired all the time, and I lost about 35 pounds. It took some time, but I’m back up to weight, 248 lbs., and feeling 100%.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play? 

I’d probably either play basketball or compete in triple and long jump. I did both since about 8 or 9 years old and through high school.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Being recognized by my teammates. They voted me to the 23-24 Leadership Council and voted me Defensive Newcomer of the Year and Big Dawg of the Year awards in the 22-23 season. When you have a group of individuals who all agree that you exhibit certain qualities, it’s a big achievement to me. I’m grateful for the acknowledgment.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career. 

In the opening game of the 22-23 season against the University of Northern Colorado, I recovered a fumble on the last play and returned it for 52 yds to score the winning touchdown.

What gets you “pumped up” before a game? 

I don’t really have a favorite athlete or team. I watch a lot of different teams and players, but no one in particular that I pattern myself after. I am a different kind of player. I want to get the job done, but I don’t necessarily want to get caught up in doing it the way that this player or that player does it. I visualize the different plays and possibilities before the game and how I should and could respond. Listening to music also helps me get into a zone. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents? 

I’m actually quite the cook. I like to experiment with different recipes. I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I try to do things in the community too when I can.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most? 

I just love the game. The strategizing, the competitiveness, the physicality, and the camaraderie. It’s a group of guys showing up with one thing in mind: BEAT THE OTHER TEAM.

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

That I am a game changer. I energize my team by elevating my level of play, and we all eat. After having success transitioning from safety to edge, I know that I’m only going to get better at the edge and outside linebacker. I think I have what it takes to be a starter.