2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tajae Leslie, WR, Northwood University

• Name: Tajae Leslie
• Position: WR
• College: Northwood University
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 180 lbs
• Twitter: @tjl10_
• Instagram: @tjl.10_

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

Well I was born in Jamaica and came here when I was 8 years old and that’s around the time when guys like Percy Harvin and a little after that was Tavon Austin we’re doing great things so I was a track guy I could run so I convinced my parents to let me play and ever since then I fell in love with the game and never looked back.

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

Going forward I’m just really focused on becoming the best football player that I can become and helping an organization in anyway that I can.

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

Probably would have to say Tyreek Hill, just seems like a really cool and genuine dude and he’s also accomplished a lot of things that I would like to myself so I feel that I would be able to learn a lot from him.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments would have to be all the relationships and bonds that I’ve created over the years, came across a lot of great people.

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

I would have to say both of my parents, just watching them work extremely hard over the years to make sure that me and my brother had a better life growing up than they did and everything that we needed. It makes me want to work hard as well so I can some day do the same for my family and also be able to repay them for everything they’ve done for me.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Spread because it widens the defense out and gives more space for shifty players like myself to make plays.

What should we know about Tajae Leslie the person?

I’m a laid back chill person who’s gonna just put my head down and work, I’m eager to learn and embrace and attack challenges head on.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think the biggest thing that stands out about my film is that I’m very versatile, I have film of me playing outside, inside, in the backfield, kick and punt return as well as some other special team positions.

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

I would like to think as myself as a very strong minded person so when I come across challenges whether on or off the feel I tend not to get down on myself and just try to attack them head on and find a solution. I also have people in my life that I feel I can talk to about anything and they will support me through whatever.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone who’s going to show up everyday ready to work and push his teammates to be better. Someone who is eager to learn and get better. Someone who wants to help in an organization and being successful.

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

I love that the game is so comparable to life in the way that there’s going to be good days and bad days just like there’s going to be good plays and bad plays. It’s up to you to fight through the adversity and not give up. Also, I love the relationships that I’ve been able to make over the years.

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

Shamarr Wright, he’s a smooth route runner, strong hands, great after the catch and makes a lot of plays. He’s coming into his junior year so I’m expecting a big year for him.