2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: James Makszin, DL, Ball State University

• Name: James Makszin
• Position: DL
• College: Ball State University
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 285 lbs
• X (Twitter): @makszinj55
• Instagram: @kin6james_

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

Ever since I was a kid, my dream was always to play football. I remember I was in elementary school and there was a flyer for NYF football, which was our youth team. I wanted to play because my uncle was a huge football fan and he got me into the sport ever since then football has been the main focus in my life.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

There’s been so many great moments throughout my football career in my life in football. Looking back I played in a lot of big games which was awesome and I cherish those moments. But I really think my favorite moments are the times in the locker room with the guys and the relationships I built with people from all over the world just simple times hanging out with the team is what are my favorite moments.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Going forward I really just want to continue to grow as a football player. I think I have some attributes that can be useful to a team. I really just wanna be able to come in and help push for a championship and win some games. Anyway, that I can.

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

If I can hang out with any football player from the past or present, I think I would want to hang out with DeMarcus Ware. That’s a hard question because there are so many football players I’d like to speak with and be able to pick their minds but growing up DeMarcus Ware was my favorite player. He’s a very talented pass rusher, think it could be really cool to be able to hang out with him.

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

I gain a lot of inspiration from my family, my mom is a huge inspiration for me. Growing up, she raised us as a single mother, so I got to see how hard she worked to be able to provide for my family and I think this is where my work ethic comes from. But every day seeing her is a big inspiration for me and it keeps me going.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Talking schemes I really like most schemes, I had the opportunity to play in a lot of different defenses in my college career and I got to learn a lot about each scheme. I really like them all. I think that they all have times when they are needed for specific situations. I enjoy most being able to play fast, four down front to be able to cause some disruption in the backfield and penetrate do also like more of an okie front and playing the 4i. I feel like I had a good experience playing the 4i. I really like all schemes I think it just depends on the situation.

What should we know about James Makszin the person?

When talking about myself I’m a hard-working guy, I always try to stay mellow you know don’t get too low, don’t get too high. I always pride myself on being the same person every day regardless of how I’m feeling, I’m a blue-collar type of guy. I try to do the right thing and look out for people.

What stands out about your film the most?

Looking at my film I think there is a few things that will jump off the screen. I feel like I have a very good get-off. That’s something that I think it’s beneficial to me. Another thing is I think I disengage off of blocks really well. Ultimately I think what stands out is my ability to be where I’m supposed to be and play sound defense you know everyone has a role within the defense and I would always be in the right place and do my job.

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

How do I handle challenges is really to just keep going you know when times get tough when you don’t know what’s going on times get hard but you just gotta keep going. Keep having faith that the Lord is with you and he will guide you, but just don’t give up. Don’t get too low. Don’t get too high it will all figure itself out.

What would a team get in a player like you?

With a player like me, teams will get a high-IQ football player someone who understands the game and the ins and outs of the game, somebody who has a motor, and plays full throttle all the time. Someone ready to come in and work and also continue to learn and grow.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love everything about the game of football. I love how it tests you. I love how you need multiple people to be successful. I love the idea of the team chemistry. I also love the technicality behind it so many different levels within this game and I just can’t get enough of it.

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

The most underrated player that I’ve played with is my good friend Javon Peeples we played together in high school, another underrated player was my former teammate at Rhode Island, Matt Thomas, and my other teammate at Rhode Island Malachi Burby These are all great players hard workers and the time is coming for them.