Name: Nathan Jones
School: Methodist University
Position: S/CB/Nickel
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 180
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I’ve set for my final collegiate season have been to become an all-american, win conference with my team, and make it to the playoffs. The goals I’ve accomplished in my final season at MU include leaving my team with a winning record, becoming a 4x all-conference safety, and a 3rd team D3 all-region safety. Lastly, I’ve tied the school record for most career interceptions with 12.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took advantage of the extra year by learning more about my body and how to manage it. I took advantage of learning more about my eating habits and weightlifting. The advantages that took place on the field included becoming a special-teams role player starting on every special team.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say I’m a reliable player that can go and get the job done regarding any aspect of the game. I’ve proven to be unselfish, disciplined, coachable, and self motivated in regards to putting the hard work in at practice, in the gym, studying film and playing fast and physical. These characteristic all show my love for the game of football and how I approach the game. My coaches and teammates would say I’m the type of player to raise my teammates’ level of play. They would say I’m a leader on and off the field and even somewhat a mentor to the young guys. My coaches and teammates have seen my christian values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and respect demonstrated over the years, by becoming a mentor and helping to lead prayers for the team as well as bringing that unselfish mindset to the team.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
During film study I like to focus on the tendencies of the offensive schemes and formations. I love breaking down receiver habits when it comes down to their route running and understanding what kind of player they are from the start of their route to the end of their route. I also like keying on how WRs play while it’s a run play. I love reading QB tendencies as well like signals, figuring out their checkdowns, and even arm mechanics, or timing routes in regards to WRs. Something important to me has been understanding who the offense feeds off of and trying to break that individual’s spirit.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other prospects are my abilities to play every DB position fluently. I have the football mentality of a ball hawk and I take advantage of every opportunity when I’m on the field. What also separates me from other prospects is my leadership. I demand the very best from my teammates to play up to my level or higher and that means bringing our A game to every practice and game. What also separates me from the pack is being a part of a team that’s player led because being the team captain has allowed me the leadership experience to lead a DB core and defense. I’m a player that’s willing to accept responsibility and accountability from my mistakes and fix them.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My main goals for the offseason include bettering my run mechanics to increase my top end speed, continue to put on more weight by working out and staying healthy and durable, which allowed me to never miss a game during my college career. Lastly I’ll continue stamina training and working on the fundamentals of the game to continue to become a great football player.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I am a player that will lead from the front by putting in the hard work, I will bring integrity to put the work in while nobody is watching. The strengths I bring to a team would be a competitive mindset, morale, and confidence. The abilities that I will also bring to a team will include a mental presence on the field, in the film room, and a great football culture, as a (jackboy) who terrorizes QBs.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL and other pro leagues would be not to hesitate allowing a player like me to enhance their program. I have the drive to do what it takes to show my competitiveness and abilities that every coach looks for in a DB. I can compete with anybody at the highest levels of play, I know how to win and I love winning. I’m a DB that has been shown to get after the ball and also know how to hit. I’ve proven that I can take the ball away from the offense. I know all phases of the game and I’ve never had a problem with working my way to the top. I’m a player that is dependable by not worrying coaches or staff when given a task, you’re getting a well rounded disciplined baller. I play to be the best so I would love to be coached by the best coaches who would push me to thrive for the best, and to compete with the best.
