2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jalen Hughes, LB, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

• Name: Jalen Hughes
• Position: LB
• College: Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 225 lbs
• X (Twitter): @swaggyhughess
• Instagram: @swaggy_hughes

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

Growing up watching my dad play football and having my mom sign me up at a young age to play, I just fell in love with it. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from my football life are making all the bonds I have with my teammates/brothers, because without football I wouldn’t have met the people I call my brothers today. 

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

I’m looking to achieve making a team and continuing to my playing career and getting better as a player. 

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

I would hang out with Fred Warner because he’s one of the player in the NFL that I like to watch and I think that we have similar personalities traits and play style so I would pick his brain and see how he approaches the game and the life of a pro. 

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

My dad inspires me the most because no matters what’s going on in his life good or bad he always finds a way to make it happen, and that inspires me to do the same. No matter how long or hard my journey is to my goals, I have to make it happen. 

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’ve played in multiple schemes so it’s hard for me to pick just one, but if I had to I would say 4-2-5 or 4-3, because I’ve played in this scheme the most in my career and had success out of it. 

What should we know about Jalen Hughes the person?

You should know that as a person I’m very positive and humble. I like watching football, playing the game, video and picture editing. I also like being outdoors, I love being around my family and I really like fashion and creating clothes and styles. I’m very easy to talk to, I’d have a conversation with anyone even if I don’t know them. I’m just an overall good person that has a positive outlook on life and is very outgoing but also very discipline. 

What stands out about your film the most?

My effort on each play, even when I’m backside I’m sprinting to get to the other side to make a play. Also my IQ and formation recognition. I pride myself on knowing what’s coming based off the offense’s alignment. 

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

The way I handle challenges whether it’s on or off the field I usually keep a positive mindset and just remind my self whatever it is will get better if I make it better because ultimately I’m in control of my outcome and outlook of challenging situations. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team will get a high character, high effort, high iq player that can and will adapt to any situation. They will also get a playmaker that understands the importance of taking the ball away and that is discipline and technique sound. 

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

I love being on a team and having a role big or small that I have to do to the best of my abilities to help the team win. I also like running around and hitting people and taking the ball away. 

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

The most underrated player I’ve played with would be Jonathan Cobb, because I’ve gone against him at practice and I’ve seen how he runs the ball when he gets in and you can really tell that he wants to punish the opposing team and players by how hard and explosive he runs.