2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jessie Wilkins-Flaricee, LB, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Name: Jessie Wilkins-Flaricee
• Position: Linebacker (WILL) /(MIKE)
• College: Wilfrid Laurier University
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 230 lbs
• Twitter: @JessiejWilkns
• Instagram: @jessjameswf

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect is my motor, energy, instincts, and versatility combined with my speed and physicality. I play fast, trust what I see, and I am always around the ball with a nose for making plays.I am also a  film junkie who studies tendencies and prepares to be in the right position before the snap. I take pride in impacting every phase of the game whether it is stopping the run, covering in space, or rushing the passer. I bring value on defense and special teams, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help my team win. I am always looking to improve, and I lead by example while pushing those around me to be great.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

One of the biggest adversities I’ve faced was dealing with CAM Type FAI on my hips that required surgery. It forced me to step away from the field and focus on recovery, which wasn’t easy. But I stayed disciplined, attacked rehab every day, and stayed mentally locked in through film study and learning the game at a deeper level. This experience built my resilience and patience. It made me more focused and appreciative of every opportunity I have to play. I have come back stronger mentally and more prepared to lead and perform.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football, I am very creative and involved in music. I am an artist, I make music, and I enjoy producing and expressing myself and other stories I have come up around through that. I also like working on visuals, branding, and creative projects, including clothing ideas. I spend time coaching youth and volunteering in my community as well. Giving back and helping others develop is important to me. It keeps me grounded, helps me stay balanced, and gives me another way to stay motivated and inspired.

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

I believe I can make an immediate impact at the next level through special teams by bringing energy, physicality, playmaking ability, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. I take pride in being someone coaches can trust in important moments. Beyond special teams, I see myself as an every down athlete who can be deployed in multiple ways. Whether it is stopping the run, covering in space, rushing the passer, or making plays in open space, I want to be a versatile defender who creates value and makes plays in any situation. My goal is to come in and be great ,contribute wherever I am needed, and continue improving every day. Lead by example, and become the type of player and teammate others can depend on both on and off the field.

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be supporting people living with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. As someone who has epilepsy, I want to be an advocate who brings more awareness and shows others that a diagnosis does not define you or stop you from achieving your goals and chasing your dreams. I want to use my platform to inspire others, spread awareness, and show that anything is possible with the right mindset and support. 

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I strive for greatness, so I genuinely enjoy being coached and receiving criticism because it gives me an opportunity to learn and improve. I don’t take corrections personally; I see them as a chance to understand what I can do better and continue developing my game. My goal is to always grow, and I know that being coachable is a major part of becoming the best player and person I can be. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate at my school is Tayshaun Jackson, a running back and return specialist at Laurier. Tay is someone who is often overlooked because of his size, but his ability to make plays speaks for itself. He is the type of player you trust when you need someone to create something out of nothing. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, brings energy every time he steps on the field, and has the confidence to make big plays in important moments. Whether it is on offense or special teams, Tayshaun consistently finds ways to impact the game, and I believe his playmaking ability deserves more recognition.

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

I would choose Michael Jackson, Robert Greene, and Luke Kuechly.

I would choose Michael Jackson because of his pursuit of greatness, creativity, and ability to connect with people around the world. He mastered his craft and constantly pushed the boundaries of what was possible, which inspires me as an artist and creator. Beyond music, he used his platform to spread positive messages, tell meaningful stories through his art, stand up for what he believed in, and bring awareness to important issues happening around the world.

I would choose Robert Greene because I would love the opportunity to pick his brain on human behavior, strategy, and mastering your craft. After writing books like The 48 Laws of Power, his understanding of people, discipline, and personal growth is something I would want to learn from. I believe there is always more knowledge to gain, and I would want his perspective on how to continue improving and becoming the best version of myself.

I would choose Luke Kuechly because of the way he approached the linebacker position. His football IQ, preparation, leadership, and ability to understand the game at such a high level are qualities I admire. I pride myself on being a student of the game and constantly studying to improve, so I would want to absorb as much knowledge as possible from him about preparation, instincts, and what it takes to become one of the best linebackers.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?

If I were benched tomorrow, it would most likely be because I failed to execute the game plan or did not perform at the standard my coaches expect from me. I hold myself accountable, and I understand that playing time is earned through preparation, consistency, and performance. I would still do my best to help impact the game in any way I can, through special teams and helping my teammates. I would not pout or make excuses. I would have a conversation with my coaches to understand what I need to improve, put my head down, and get back to work. I would focus on correcting my mistakes, continuing to develop, and earning my role back through hard work, effort, and showing that I can be trusted.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

My pre-game routine is all about getting mentally locked in while enjoying the moment. I usually put my headphones on, listen to my music, and take some time to visualize and prepare myself for the game. I like walking around the field in my socks, juggling, taking in the environment, checking the pylons, and getting comfortable with the space. I’ll also spend some time dancing and having fun because that helps me bring positive energy into the game. Then I take a moment to pray on the field, giving thanks and asking for protection over myself, my teammates, and everyone stepping onto the field. After that, I lock in with my teammates, go through warmups, and get the energy up with the guys.

What is your favorite snack food?

Apple sauce

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I believe I can fit in any defensive scheme because I am a versatile playmaker who can impact the game in multiple ways. I feel my strengths translate best in an aggressive system that allows linebackers to play fast, make decisions, and attack. I have the ability to read the game, stop the run, cover in space, rush the passer, and make plays all over the field. I am a student of the game who studies tendencies and prepares myself to be in the right position before the snap. No matter the scheme, I want to be a player coaches can trust to communicate, execute, and contribute in any role, whether that is as an every-down linebacker, pass rusher, or on special teams.

What is your degree in?

Music and Policing

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?

The first thing I would do with my first NFL check is invest in my future. I would put a large portion of it away and use the rest to create opportunities through investments such as real estate and building assets that can provide long-term financial stability. Beyond building wealth for myself, I want to use my success to give back. One of my goals is to create a center that supports youth in less fortunate communities by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help them grow. I want my impact to go beyond football and create something that helps the next generation succeed.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

During our game against Ottawa, I made a mistake where I gave up a wheel route to the running back even though I knew I had that responsibility. I knew right away that I had made a mistake, but I have always believed in having a next play mentality. I trusted my preparation, stayed composed, and focused on finding the next opportunity to make an impact. On the final drive, we were down a player defensively, and I stepped up by making clutch goal-line stops that helped us win the game. That moment showed me the importance of having a short memory, staying confident, and continuing to compete because the next opportunity to make a play is always coming.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist? 

1. Just Wait – MBS Murachi
2. Undefeated – Ace Hood
3. Sunset Driver – Michael Jackson