Name: Jack Pilkerton
School: Kutztown
Position: TE
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 245
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My first goal was to do whatever possible to help my team earn a conference championship. In the off season I set a goal for myself to come into camp at 240lbs so I could help our offense by being a more reliable blocker. I came into camp at 245lbs and during the year I took pride in bettering my blocking skills and gaining knowledge of how different blocking schemes should work. My personal goal was to catch 40 balls, have 600 yards and 5 TDs. I ended the season with 44 catches with 666 yards and 10 TDs.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say that I’m a competitor. I fight for every yard, I take pride in not letting one man take me down. Also I hate losing more than I like winning.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When I try to improve my game I look at my latest game. I go over every play to see what I can improve on and I try focus whatever that may be into the next practice. Also I look at the great players that play this game like Gronk, Travis Kelce, and George Kittle. I watch to see what makes them so successful to see if I can implement their skills into my game. As I watch film on my opponents, I look at games that they played against offenses that have a similar system as ours to see how they play against that. I try to pick up on Defensive End’s and Linebacker’s tendencies so I can know what they will do and how they will do it even before the play.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates my game from other pro prospects at my position is my versatility. I can line up on the line, in the slot, out wide, and in the back field. My work ethic is second to none – both physically and mentally. I believe getting my body in top shape is as important as growing as a student of the game. My willingness to expand my knowledge of the game and to play it the right way, I believe, sets me apart from other prospects.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan is to train the hardest I ever have to increase my overall strength and speed. It is important for me to keep up and surpass the competition physically and mentally. I plan on getting with some QB’s that I have played with in the past to keep my routes crisp. I need to do research to gather information and methods on how to get the right exposure for the next level. I have multiple friends and past teammates that had an opportunity to play professionally and it would behoove me to listen to their stories so I can get exposure the right way.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My biggest strength that I can bring to a team is my pass catching ability. The game is evolving where Tight Ends need to be able to be prolific pass catchers and I believe I am one of the best in Division 2. I am very coachable and I enjoy learning the game and bettering myself any chance I get. This past year I improved my blocking on the line and in the open field. I have learned over the years that a player’s behavior on and off the field has an impact on the team. I only want my impact in both areas to be positive.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
If I am given the chance to keep playing the game I love at the next level I will do everything in my power to make the most out of the opportunity.