2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jabea Tilong, DB, University of Nebraska Kearney

• Name: Jabea Tilong
• Position: Defensive Back (Cornerback/nickel)
• College: University of Nebraska Kearney
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: @JabeaTilong
• Instagram: @Jabeasosmooth

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect in this year’s draft is my professionalism, toughness, and ability to adapt in tough environments and situations. I have dealt with many coaching changes and played in multiple schemes which has helped me become as knowledgeable as I am on the field while also pursuing 2 degrees in college. 

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I am able to learn and understand concepts faster than others. While playing at the collegiate level, I had to juggle studying plays while also being a great student in the classroom which was tough given my major. My coaches wanted me to be a playmaker and understand how the opposing offense would try to move up the field throughout the game. This helped me become a better overall cornerback and football player.

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

One cause I would donate to is improving children’s education and recreational activities in third-world countries. Being that my family comes from Cameroon, I have witnessed children be stripped of opportunities that I and others have daily. Providing education and opportunities to play sports or other activities could change the dynamic of a whole nation as the youth continues to grow.

Who was your role model?

Growing up I always looked up to my parents and older siblings. Being that I am the youngest in my family, I was able to watch everyone grow and go through different stages in life that I eventually was able to go through myself. Watching them work hard for their success only motivated me to aim high and stay dedicated to my own goals.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I am a diehard Broncos fan. I grew up in Colorado and I have seen what the organization has gone through year after year. When I get picked up by an NFL team, my favorite team will be who I play for, but for now, I am a proud member of Broncos country (Let’s ride!).

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate at my school has to be David Lilly. He is an undersized linebacker who plays with some of the best efforts I have seen on the field. Started off as a walk-on and earned the right to be a leader of men through hard work, passion for the game, and consistently being a great teammate/brother. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve has to be the lack of dedication. I personally feel that without having dedication or passion, we lose sight of our purpose and goals. Improvement cannot be made without staying dedicated to the process and not the result. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever would have to be Dr.Borden. He was my finance professor when I was at UNK. He scared me at first and was probably my toughest teacher ever, but he used tough teaching to get the best out of students. His passion for finance and business motivated me to work harder in class and on the field. Unfortunately, he did pass due to illness in 2023, but I was very blessed to have the relationship I had with Dr.Borden.

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

Starting off as a walk-on at Northern Colorado, experiencing 4 coaching changes in my college career, and transferring to a new university were some of the hardest moments in my life. The way I wanted to view myself and the goals I wanted to achieve at times seemed difficult because of uncontrollable circumstances. Keeping my head down and showing up every day allowed me to gain tough skin and push through obstacles to pursue and take advantage of my opportunities.

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

The franchise restaurant I would have in my house would be Chipotle. As an athlete I always want to make sure I am fueling my body correctly and Chipotle is one of the healthier options that also tastes good as well. Plus rice is very versatile so I can still mix things up when necessary.

What is your favorite snack food?

Trail mix has to be my favorite snack food because it is a sweet and salty combination. The peanuts in the trail mix is also a healthier option than other snacks that are loaded with bad ingredients.

What is your degree in?

I graduated in 2023 with my bachelor’s in finance and then I graduated in 2024 with my master’s in business administration (MBA). 

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

I would have dinner with Lebron James because he is my favorite athlete of all time and he is someone that has experienced so much within his career that I would like to hear about. Next would be Ray Lewis because of how consistent, tough, and dominant he was as a player in the NFL. I would also like to hear about Ray Lewis being able to lead one of the best defenses in NFL history. Lastly, I would love to have dinner with Muhammad Ali because of how challenging his career was even while succeeding. I would like to hear about fighting during his time period while also fighting social injustice.

What is your biggest weakness?

Being too hard on myself would have to be my biggest weakness. Failure can also be a learning lesson for future reference, which is something I am trying to understand more, but at times, I tend to beat myself up over the smallest defeats I face. Especially as a cornerback, having a short-term memory is important because the next play could be an opportunity to change the whole game.