2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Da’Vonta Jackson, DL, University of West Alabama

• Name: Da’Vonta Jackson
• Position: DL
• College: University of West Alabama
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 265 lbs
• X (Twitter): @maseritij
• Instagram: @djack_40

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

The reason I chose to be a football player is because I always had a dream of being one since I was a little child. My uncle playing in the NFL also was a reason.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment is being able to connect with a lot of new people and learning new life skills with them. I also will say scoring my first defensive touchdown and interception this year.

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

As a football player my goals going forward include improving my technical skills, increasing game intelligence, maintaining peak physical condition, and working on mental resilience. I also want to focus on building team chemistry, achieving personal milestones, and aspiring to reach higher levels of competition, whether that means playing for a professional club or not.

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

The football player I will love to hang out with is Maxx Crosby, the reason I say this is because I take inspiration from his game and what he brings to it. He also looks like a cool guy to hang around and he’s himself off the field.

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

My grandfather inspired me to me the most. l say this because he basically raised me since I was a kid he taught me how to do a lot of things I know how to do today like fishing, hunting, and being a hard working man.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’ll have to say a 4-2-5 or 4-3, it always on us to put pressure on the qb with 4 defensive linemen and we can throw a lot of different blitzes and coverages with it.

What should we know about Davonta Jackson the person?

I am someone who stands out not just for his athletic abilities but also for his character. I also know how to work as a good team leader and get the job did that the coach wants and expect from me every day.

What stands out about your film the most?

The way I can stop the run game and be a force in the pass rush game. I also can build walls.

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

I tends to handle them both well I can embrace a growth mindset on things and also stay calm under pressure and talk a lot of things out to make a way.

What would a team get in a player like you?

TEAMS WILL GET A PLAYER THAT’S DEDICATED TO DOING WHAT THE PROGRAM WANTS FROM THEIR PLAYERS. They will also get a guy that comes in with a great attitude and smile on his face everyday.

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

The mix of strategy, physicality, and teamwork that characterizes football is what I adore most about it. Football combines all the components of athleticism and mental acuity in a way that is particularly fulfilling, and every play, no matter how minor, can have a significant effect on the result.

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

Tavorris Hatcher, the reason I say this is because everyone’s downfall of him is because of his height at NG, but he is one of the best I’ve been around.