2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaylen Dollar, OLB, Concord

• Name: Jaylen Dollar
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Position: OLB
• College: Concord University 
• Twitter: @JaylenDollar
• Instagram: @1holladolla

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football
I graduated from Elizabeth City State with an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I started off pursuing my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology before switching over to Interdisciplinary Studies so that I would graduate during the spring semester of 2024. Which later led to me pursuing my masters degree in Health Promotion. I firmly believe that your health is your wealth. One of the big things we can’t buy or get back is how we treat our bodies.

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
My motor, not giving up on plays and playing 110%. Being able to rise up to competition and in key situations, motor and effort is something that can’t be coached. As Coach Washington would tell me “Sacrifice your body, glorify your soul.”

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My versatility sets me apart, playing every position on the Defensive Line, dropping in coverage, and making plays on special teams. I’m most comfortable playing off the ball or on the edge. Playing interior throughout my career has helped me understand gap assignments from the interior and increase my football IQ.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Going back earlier into my career, the best player I ever went against coverage wise was Calvin Austin. I used my experience on the scout team to my advantage during my time at Memphis to perfect my craft. I never went against someone that twitchy and fast. Learning more about his story once I arrived as he started his career as a walk-on leading to him earning a scholarship and being drafted was true motivation for me. On the run defense side, I would say Chavon Wright when he was at Charleston, now NIU. Very compact build, bowling ball type of running back, he is a ball player.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Nehemiah Scott. We played vs. each other at our previous schools before transferring to Concord. He’s a rangy DB that plays relentlessly and physically. Xavier Ellison is another guy who comes in every day looking for ways to get better, always hungry for more. Both are guys whose names will be buzzing over the next few years.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Starting my career as a walk-on, I used that time to develop and soak in as much as I could from the highest level. What I took away from my experience was resilience, when faced with adverse conditions, you either keep going or give up. Those learned traits not only bettered me as a football player but as a man and made me appreciate all of the small things that most people look over.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football I would’ve ran track, I ran a little bit during middle school and early years of high school. The 200m was my favorite event to compete in.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
What I’m most proud of so far is being a resource for my current teammates to connect with God. Helping set up and running Bible studies on campus specifically for football players at my school. Being that messenger and helping plant the seed in those who may not have that relationship with God. From an athletic standpoint, upsetting nationally ranked and undefeated Virginia State when I was at ECSU. It was the first time in fifteen years that a ranked team had been beaten by ECSU and first time in ten years ECSU beat Virginia State. You can never underestimate an opponent, any given Saturday.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of the most memorable plays I have is when we played West Virginia Wesleyan and won with a safety. Our punter did a great job of getting the ball to the one yard line, I shot through the B-Gap and the running back was unable to make it out of the end zone.  Also, during that upset victory I mentioned earlier I finished the game with two sacks against VSU as well.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete growing up has always been Sean Taylor. I loved watching old Miami highlights, but he stood out to me the most being a very physical playmaker. James Harrison is one player I model my game after, he started out undrafted and overlooked but used that as fuel. He wasn’t the biggest or fastest but played with relentless effort and a chip on his shoulder. Shaquil Barrett is another player I model my game after, he is a technician that also started out as an underdog. Capitalized on all his opportunities and led the NFL in sacks 2019.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

If I had to pick a pregame artist it would be Glokk40Spaz. Not big on needing music for motivation, I like listening to old Madden soundtracks. ‘04 and ‘06 takes me back to the time as a kid playing Madden on PS2 envisioning myself on the game as a player. Some of the early moments in my life were learning the game before officially playing it.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Baked Mac n’ Cheese for sure. Both sides of my family cook heavily so that is something that has always been present. I remember times as a kid living with my Grandmother at the time begging her to make Mac or Lasagna for dinner.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I have a few favorite movies: The Express, Any Given Sunday, and The Longest Yard. All are football movie classics. I read The Express book before watching the movie. Seeing what Ernie Davis did despite the adversity he faced and still being successful was truly remarkable. It’s sad that he ended up passing, but the impact he made lasts beyond a lifetime.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
A secret talent I have is cooking. I took a few culinary classes while in high school. Cooking is like an art to me. When I finish up my playing career I wouldn’t mind running a restaurant.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love the game of football because you are able to legally be physical with another individual for 60 minutes straight. I have several family members, little brothers and cousins who look up to me and want to play football when they get older. I’m able to lead by example and be that positive influence for the youth. Be the living testimony that anything can be done with faith.