2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Jackson, DL, Eastern Kentucky University

• Name: Ryan Jackson
• Position: DL
• College: Eastern Kentucky University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 300 lbs
• X (Twitter): @rhinojack9956
• Instagram: @ryan.jackson72

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

It was just something I started doing growing up and my dad loved watching football and I ended up being really good at it. I progressively got better each level I was at.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

2020, going into Marshall and seeing my parents in the stadium because not a lot of fans were able to attend because of covid. Being named a captain in 2023 and that was a big honor as a junior being voted by my peers.

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

My dad, he’s always been a good phone call away and pushed me mentally and physically in football to do it and he’s just done so much for me.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

The entire season, every game and going to war with some of my friends for one last time.

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

Present Javon Hargrave, because I have a similar play style to him and he rushes at a high level. Past I would love to hang out with John Randle because he was an undersized defensive lineman and I would love to see how he got past the issues into the NFL.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Eastern Kentucky?

The community and the people that surrounds this place and the winning tradition and the culture.

What should we know about Ryan Jackson the person?

I feel I’m a good communicator and team player and I’m competitive and I’m a winner.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

3-4, you can do a lot more packages and fronts in it and it puts pressure on the defensive line and if you have a dominant defensive line it shows and the gaps are simpler to understand.

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

I usually think back to a quote my dad has “adversity happens you just have to overcome it.” I usually sit back, breathe, go over all the options and pick the best solution.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A competitor doing whatever it takes to win, a leader bringing positive energy and driving people. 

What stands out about your film the most?

My passion I play the game with and my movement during stunts getting offensive linemen to miss, and the amount of false starts I’ve gotten offensive linemen to commit.

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

Dakota Allen and Logan Blake, Logan coming from an NAIA school doing what he did was special and he was smart. Dakota is a phenomenal athlete and if injuries didn’t get in the way of his career he would’ve been something special.