Name: Jordan Ighofose
School: Grambling State University
Position: OG/C
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 325
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
I unfortunately did not accomplish my goals this season. My individual goals were to earn post season accolades. My team goals were to win the SWAC. As a team we did not have the best season. That probably did not help my case for individual accolades. However I feel as though I had a great season. I played exactly how I expected myself to preform. Me not meeting my goals is just fuel to my fire.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
The extra year of eligibility was a blessing for me. Becuase of the extra year . I was able to get on the field and showcase my abilities. I believe with the extra year I put enough good plays on tape to follow in Trenton Scott, and David Moores footsteps as offensive lineman out of Grambling to make it to the NFL.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches will tell you I’m very coachable. My teammates will tell you I am a leader. My coaches know how well I take instructions,it shows in how I practice and play. My teammates love me and always take my advice because I always try to talk to them and steer them in the right direction. Even though I was a captain on the offensive line the coaches probably did not see me lead often. My approach was always more of a individual, behind closed doors approach. I wasn’t calling people out unless things got really bad.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When watching film on my opponent I mainly watch for front recognition. The defensive front and how they line up to certain formations is key to how I will prepare throughout the week. I want to know how someone will line up and how they play different blocks. For example wether the ends spill or contain. I actually hate watching myself on film because I am such a perfectionist. If every step isn’t crisp I get frustrated with myself but I try to find something small I need to work on from what’s on film and correct it the next practice or game.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My strength and physicality. A lot of other players are probably just as strong or stronger than me in the weight room. However a lot of people can’t translate that strength to the field. When I put my hands on people they go where I want them to go. Also my football IQ I have a great understanding and feel for the game it helps me out a lot in pass protection because I understand a defense can only do so much while remaining gap sound.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I plan on training in Louisiana. With Various coaches who have been training NFL prospects out of this area for years. I will mostly be focusing on combine and pro day training to learn how to properly execute the drills at my pro day. I will also be working with coaches who specialize in offense line to fine tune my game.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My ability to learn quickly and adapt to my surroundings will be my best attribute to an NFL team. I feel as though if I come in I can contribute to a team immediately. Contributions do not always equate playing time but I know I will help us be better anyway I can. Off the field I will be very active in the community. I am very big on giving back so I would make sure to help out the community I am playing in as much as I can. I was always told leave a place better than when you got there.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I am a guy who is willing to put the work in and make sacrifices to play this game. I have been through a lot and football saved my life. I will never take it for granted. If I get an opportunity I will make the most of it. The things I went through just to be able to play the game I love in high school made me who I am today. From catching two buses a day just to get to practice to have it to scrape up change just to afford those buses. I have always did what I needed to do in order to be the best player I can be and I will continue to do so. I get my opportunity I will not fail.
