2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ja’la Cristian Coad, ATH, SUNY Brockport University

• Name: Ja’la Cristian Coad 
• Position: RB/SS
• College: SUNY Brockport University 
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: JC223_
• Instagram: Chefboyjay_

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

• As a running back I’m able to add versatility to the backfield and apply pressure on Wills & Sam’s to have to match up. If mistakes happen on the O-line I’m able to make them right. Being a helping hand. Giving a great ability to pick up blitzes & defensive schemes. Very elusive, great lateral movement, power & speed, multi-dimensional RB. At SS I am able to be very versatile over the top & on ball press giving the hybrid ability. Exceptional at recognizing defenses & schemes due to matchups & knowing of formations. Great at breaking down the game on both sides into the simplest form to better not only further better myself but my teammates as well. 

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

• I’m a dawg. I don’t break. I’m a team player first. I never put myself, my feelings, or any type of distractions in the way of the TEAM prospering. I’m a fast learner I’m very observant. I’m always looking to get better & better my teammates as well. What teams should know about me is I actually enjoy the process I know how to live in the moment and not be overly compressed due to any situation I’m put in. I’m a truly humbled soul who’s very compassionate about the game of football but most importantly thankful for it. 

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

• I really would like to donate & build my own shelter for the homeless. It’s something I’ve been looking into doing for a great cause to help so many people who don’t have the fortune as most. No matter what I wanna help families, and give back food, clothes, and toys to those who need them on an everyday basis. Hopefully, one day I can make it happen I have the name for the organization already. 

Who was your role model? 

• My role model is my mother. I watched my mom struggle as a single parent trying to make a way for her two children. Never having an excuse with no help, never giving up, and through each storm made her stronger she is the reason I am here today she is the reason that’s my role model. My mom has sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. She taught me family first no matter what. Watched my mom go out of her way when she had nothing to help those in better positions than her. That’s what a role model is. That’s what a role model does. At a time, we were homeless for months my mom never showed me weakness she never complained i watched this woman do amazing things.  she would always say to me to focus on “ football & school everything gonna be alright you’re gonna make it big one day “ but it was the hardest thing to battle at that time. When you watching someone fight these same battles as you but never showing doubt or a sign of weakness molded me during that moment. From so many different perspectives it taught me a lot about life. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

• J-E-T-S (JETS JETS JETS)

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

• Mike Talbert Jr. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

• People that don’t say thank you or excuse me 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

• Ms. Trice ( Hempstead, NY) 
• Mr. Beuno ( Amityville NY ) 
• Ms. Carrua ( Amityville NY ) 

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

• I had to overcome losing someone as a brother to me his name was “ Amani “ & then having to lose my Nanna “ Jeanette Gardner “ two months later in 2022 spring going into summer. It’s been something not many people know. I haven’t gotten to grieve for what’s been the hardest moment for me in life but those are the people I do it for. The people who count on you, mean so much especially when you playing for something bigger than just YOU. Losing those two people during that transition of going into my senior year gave me emotions I never felt before but challenged me as a person. To this day I play this game because I know it meant so much to them for me to chase my dreams. Being where I am today I’m just blessed because I thank god. God is the reason I’m here. 

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

• Brooklyn Fish Soul Food & Seafood 
• Owner: Harvey Marrow (My Grandfather)

What is your favorite snack food? 

• I love mixed fruit as a snack & maybe some cookies preferably chocolate. 

What is your degree in? 

• Sports Management, Minor in Coaching 

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

• My Nanna, Obama, Kyrie Irving because my Nanna is one of my biggest fans & supporters when it came to football for her. She always told me “ Football is in you, you got this Ja’la you can go professional, I can see you playing on TV Ja’la I already know it “Always hearing that always gave me the motivation to be the best I can be. Obama is someone I would love to gain a lot of knowledge from and ask many questions not only about success but overcoming a lot and also the road to becoming a president of the United States. Kyrie Irving to me is a great person full of positive energy but can light up the room for others. Exceptional athlete, very intelligent, and great work ethic. Surrounding myself around individuals with those characteristics makes way for everyone around me to be a better human being. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

• Speed control, and learning how to switch into certain gears high or low for certain play scenarios.