2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jonathan Ross, EDGE, University of South Florida

• Name: Jonathan Ross
• Position: Edge
• College: University of South Florida / Bowie State University
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 248
• Twitter: Snakemout10
• Instagram: ross.snake10

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

I play the game with an attitude and mortar not a lot of people have. I’m a student of the game that soaks up all the information I can. Always wanting to improve my game. Truthfully, I think of myself as a cerebral player because although I play defense, I study and understand all aspects of the game of football. 

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

I’ve been playing football ever since I was 5 years old. I would love to watch Ray Lewis, Dwight Freeny, & JJ Watt growing up. I’ve always loved the game. 

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

I’ll never take anything for granted.  

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

I would donate for improved funding to increase more youth recreational centers in urban low-income neighborhoods in order to provide a safe haven for young people. I believe the facility would serve to limit crime and provide recreational activities in these areas.  

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Run your own race. Never look to the left or right; you have your own journey.”

Who was your childhood hero? 

My mother has always been my source of inspiration. Some of my best lessons of strength, integrity and love have not only come from words she spoke to me, but from the challenges and struggles that I witnessed her overcome. Though she raised three children, she always had enough love for each of us. She also loves God and relies on him for everything.  She showed me that no dream was out of reach and that I can do all things through Christ.  

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

Donovan Jennings, because he was very skilled, talented and willing to do whatever it took to make the team better.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

People who procrastinate especially when there is a matter that I’m involved in and their actions negatively impact my plans. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Can’t choose just one, they all were very influential. Lol

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

 When I had my finger smashed my redshirt Junior Year.  During that season I wasn’t getting much playing time. Coming from D2 to D1, there was a new respect I had to earn but with this accident, it forced me to look within. I had to learn how to be patient with the healing process while redirecting my competitive nature into development and personal growth. That’s accident pushed me closer to God and myself for sure, it gave me even more of a drive. 

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

The Fan base in Tampa and USF is my favorite thing about my school. Being able to play in Raymond James Stadium was one of my highlights here at USF. For Bowie State I loved the people I was around, specifically, the brotherhood of the team. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Mangoes Cafe in Tampa Fl. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Muffins 

What is your degree in? 

Bachelors in Social Work; Achieving Masters in Entrepreneurship

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

I am a player with a coach mentality to be viewed as an asset for any team

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

Uchenna Nwosu (10# Seahawks)

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

Throw the ball at the pins.

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

1. My first choice would be Martin Luther King. I would want to understand how he was able to maintain the mental capacity to endure all that he went through and maintain peace. It takes a certain kind of patience and dedication to always stay positive and promote change without force.
2. Von Miller, I want to deepen my bag of tricks when I play the game of football off the edge. 
3. Ray Lewis, to pick his brain on how he sees the game and how to have a successful career. What to avoid and what to indulge myself into.