2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joseph Bakhole, OLB, UT-Chattanooga

• Name: Joseph Bakhole
• Position: OLB
• College: Chattanooga 
• Height: 6’2 
• Weight: 243
• Twitter: Josephbakhole_1
• Instagram: Josephreall 

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

 I believe I’m a top prospect at my position because I bring a fresh mindset, hunger, and a lot of potential to the game. I only started playing football my senior year of high school, but I’ve made consistent improvement over the years. 

What makes me stand out is how quickly I’ve developed and how much room I still have to grow. I have the size, athleticism, and drive to succeed at the next level. I’ve worked hard to learn the game, and I’m just getting started. My energy, focus, and hunger to improve make me a valuable player for any NFL team.

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

NFL teams should know that I’m a hard worker who is just scratching the surface of my potential. Since I’ve played the game of football, I’ve put everything into learning and improving, and it’s paid off with strong production and rapid growth. I’m coachable, determined, and willing to put in whatever work it takes to succeed at the next level.

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

If I could donate to one cause, it would be mental health awareness and support. I believe it’s important to help people, especially young men and athletes, access resources to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I’d want to make sure no one feels like they have to face their struggles alone.

Who was your role model? 

My role model is my mom. She’s a single mother who worked late nights and managed to take care of six kids. Watching her sacrifice so much for our family taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and putting others first. She showed me what it means to stay strong no matter how tough things get, and her dedication inspires me to give my all in everything I do.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Carolina Panthers 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Chris Victor 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Bad hygiene 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mrs. Powell my third-grade teacher. 

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

The hardest moment in my life was during my freshman year at junior college. My sister was very sick at home and being away from my family while worrying about her was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. At the same time, I was pushing myself on the field, trying to earn a Division 1 scholarship.

It was hard to stay focused, but I reminded myself why I was doing it which was for my family and for the chance to create a better future for all of us. That experience taught me how to handle pressure, stay mentally strong, and keep pushing forward even when times were really tough.

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

Chick-Fil-A no question. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Crepes 

What is your degree in? 

Business Applied Leadership

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

• My mom to thank her for all the sacrifices she made for me and my siblings, and to hear more about her journey and experiences.
• Kobe to talk about his approach to the game, his mindset for success, and what it took to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
• Denzel Washington to hear his life story, storytelling, and what it means to him to be a good man, as well as his thoughts on leadership and perseverance.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that I can be too hard on myself, expecting perfection even when it’s not realistic. I’m working on setting more manageable goals and giving myself grace as I grow and improve.