2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jalonnie Williams, DL, Northern Illinois University
- Name: Jalonnie Williams
- Position: DL
- College: Northern Illinois University
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 285
- Twitter: jalonniewill
- Instagram: jalonnie.williams
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
My versatility, I have game experience playing outside on the edge and playing inside at DT.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I’m resilient. I’ve been through a lot as well as my life and I haven’t once wavered.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Id like to donate to the Cancer Cause, my uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer a little while back and it was something that had a heavy impact on our family.
Who was your role model?
My Mom, she’s the strongest person I know and I admire everything she stands for. She didn’t have any help and raised 4 amazing children.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
I grew up a fan of the Packers being from Milwaukee, but as I got older now I just enjoy good football. Anytime there’s good football being played Im watching and locked into the game.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Ty Myles. One of the most disciplined and consistent people Ive been around in my life, he motivates me everyday to be the best version of myself.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Plate scraping, I don’t like the sound of glass being scraped.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Tracy Richter. She helped me understand that loving what you do is something most people dont view as important but it’s one of the keys to being able to sustain a career. She always was bright and kind no matter the circumstances and I appreciated that.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Even though my mom worked 2 jobs and always worked as hard as she could I wasn’t fortunate at all growing up. We lived check to check barely making it and a lot of times I didn’t know where or how I would eat. I grew up lighting candles because the lights went out and having to figure it out.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Chipotle, I love chipotle and how their menu isn’t always the same. They always got multiple options of protein so I wouldn’t be eating the same thing everyday plus they have healthier options than most spots.
What is your favorite snack food?
Trolli Sour gummy worms, or skittles.
What is your degree in?
Health Sciences – Pre Physical Therapy
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- My Grandmother Cecilia, who passed. She passed when I was very young and I don’t remember much about her, but everybody in my family talks about her as being heaven sent and I wish I could talk to her.
- My brother Jailen who passed before I was born. Jailen was supposed to be born before me but was a stillbirth, exactly a year before my due date. I just wish he was able to live a life and I would love to hear about what his interests would’ve been and how similar we could be.
- Coach Hammock. Coach Hammock and I have developed a relationship unlike any other player coach relationship. I respect him to the fullest and he respects me so dinner with him and talking to him about what he’s seen at the next level and what it takes to get there would be a setting I would appreciate.
What is your biggest weakness?
I’m not that good on the grill, I just started grilling last summer and I still really haven’t gotten the hang of it.
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