Name: Jacob Duffrene
School: Nichols
Position: RB/KR
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 210
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
There were many accomplishments heading into my final collegiate season that I was able to accomplish, starting with a winning record and improving on the previous season. Some of my goals that were accomplished were being selected First Team All-Conference, 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-American, All-District First Team, Rushing for 4 or more 100 yards games, and Academic All-Conference.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
If my coaches were to say the type of player I am, it would be that I’m a workhorse. They would also say that I’m a hard worker and dedicated in bettering myself, regardless of what it takes. Especially off the field, which I have excelled in the classroom in being able to obtain and maintain a 3.5 GPA while playing football.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When I study film, I look at two different things. When I’m studying film against an opponent, I look for flaws in the defense. Beginning with the defensive linemen to see which way they like to attack leading up to the linebackers to see if they overflow the run or if they can fill a hole properly. These flaws will help me study the defense and use their weakness against them to beat my opponent. Second, I study film to watch myself so I can see what I could work on and how I can better myself in practice, so I don’t make those mistakes in the games. This is why I would rather make mistakes in practice rather than during a game, which can affect my team and the outcome of the game.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
What separates me from other players is my incredible strength and being a playmaker. Starting with my strength, it takes about 3-4 guys to be able to take me down because of my will and determination that keeps me going, not allowing myself to be tackled by 1 or 2 players, which is exemplified in my highlights. In regard to being a playmaker, I am able to make plays that not many people are able to do or get out of, which is also exemplified in my highlights. I start with scanning the defense, moments before the play starts, and look to see what they’re giving me, then I follow my assignment until I see another opportunity that I can use to avoid a negative loss of yards.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I will train and prepare for this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities by working with the best trainers around, at one of the best training facilities in Massachusetts. I have been training at this facility in Woburn, MA, called Athletic Evolution for the last three years. Athletic Evolution has multiple pro athletes who have trained and continue to train there. Training there will not only help me with making connections, but also getting me physically and mentally in shape for my upcoming pro day and evaluation in front of scouts and agents.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Strengths that I will bring to the table is being someone they can count on to get the job done and always look for ways to improve and help the organization. This, along with making sure the team excels and achieves their objectives which is to win and make the organization the best it’s ever been on and off the field. Some abilities I will bring off the field is the attention to charity groups and changing people’s lives with donations and starting programs/scholarships to give those kids that didn’t have the connections and ways to be successful, an opportunity to be successful.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
My final pitch is that if they take a chance on me or give me an opportunity, they won’t regret it and it will be one of the best decisions/investments they’ll make, because I’m that determined on how successful I’ll be and won’t let them down if the opportunity presents itself.