Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Jerome Howard, LB, Prairie View A&M

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Jerome Howard

Where do you play college football?

Prairie View A& M

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

6

How did you choose your school?

Prayed over it, took my official visit and wrote down the pros and cons of each program.

Where are you from?

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Who is your role model, and why?

Kevin Beard, formally known as “KB”. He is my role model because he is a great father figure, always positive, hard worker, and strives for greatness in everything he does. Very humble down to earth and he has a passion for helping others, especially young children.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Yes, I have actually met with about 15 teams , there common concern is my size . However, they do love the passion and energy I play with, and would love to see me closer to that 225 range on my pro day.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes, high school I also did wrestling and track

Did you play any other positions in football?

Little league and my first two years of high school I played offensive/defensive line

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

Favorite runs and passes.

The depth of running back (especially in pistol, and shotgun formations)

how well does the linemen protect on pass plays.

how good is the opponents left tackles especially if quarterbacks is right handed.

Does the ball carrier carry the ball loosely.

How does the quarterback react to pressure.

Plays calls on third down,

how well does the running back protect in the pass game.

How often is the #2/#3 wr on/ off the field, Personnel substitutions (wildcat packages, etc), How much effort do you get from wide outs on run plays, or passing plays when they are not intended to get the ball.

You Can Check Out Jerome’s Highlight Here

At your position, what separates you from others?

My Preparation, the amount of hours I put into my craft during the offseason. Not to mention, the countless hours of film I watch on my own often not including the coaches.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

James Dekle former offensive linemen for Prairie View

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Sean Spence because we both are considered “short and under-sized” However we both have a noise for the ball, have good explosion at the point of contact. Self- motivated and often bring the energy and swagger. Also , We both have had knee injuries that set us out at one point and time but we used the setback as motivation and allowed the situation to give us even more hunger for the next time we did get back out on the field.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Losing my grandmother one week after departing for college. I overcame it by my praying and always thinking to myself if she were still alive what would she want me to do.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Pray over the phone with Mr.Vernon Shazier

What is your biggest strength?

Knowledge of the game, passion for the game

What is your biggest weakness?

Perfectionist, wanting everything to be perfect. Playing for a smaller FCS program.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

Self-motivated winner

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Sean Spence , Dolphins

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would, you choose?

Muhammad Ali , Sean Spence, My grandmother Christine Reed who is no longer with us