Name: Jalen Dennis
School: Missouri Southern State University
Position: S
Height: 5-11
Weight: 198
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
During my final season of college football I wanted to attain 3 things. The first was having a presence on a new team and being a guy our team can count on. With going to a new school you have to prove yourself everyday and be able to
show guys they can count on you. Being a leader in the backend and making plays when the opportunity came was my first goal. My second goal was to make guys around me better. Whether that was a starter to a freshman. It did not matter who it was. I wanted to compete at a very high level day in and day out to ensure our teams’ success. Lastly, I wanted to make sure I left my mark. Meaning, I wanted to leave MSSU better than when I arrived. Being a positive influence and playmaker for the program.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I feel like the coaches and players would say how I am a very energetic, hard working individual who is looking for competition. No matter what the task is, I will always bring the energy. I’ll be one of the hardest workers in the room along with finding a way to push someone around me. Attitude, effort, and energy are 3 things I can always control and make sure are turned all the way up everyday. I take pride in that.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When watching film on myself, I look for alignment, assignment, execution, and effort. Being able to set constant reminders of how I am doing my job and finding different ways to improve help me grow as a player. When watching opponents, I make sure to watch for tendencies, splits, alignments, formation, and concepts. These help me narrow down what the offense is trying to accomplish and helps me diagnose plays faster through film preparation.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects is my versatility and football IQ. With my QB background, it allows me to think like a QB on the defensive side of the ball. It allows me to think about down and distance situations and what plays are run in certain situations. It also helps me diagnose plays quicker through conceptual concepts. I have been blessed to play 5 different positions in college on both sides of the ball. It has given me multiple perspectives to each play and helps me be in the right spots when I need to be there. It makes doing my job a lot easier and helps me learn new information faster.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am currently training at Win Performance in Highland Park, IL for my pro day which will be at the end of March. I have talked to some professional teams but am looking forward to my pro day to open up more eyes on my football abilities.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Some strengths I will bring on the field would consist of my constant obsession to get better as a player. Learn from veterans and guys before me to continue to push the limit to my potential as a football player. Off the field, I will be a guy who wants to be involved within the community and being a positive role for younger generations and families. Along with being someone who will do whatever it takes to be a professional athlete. Learning and finding ways to improve as a person and professional to ensure I am representing the organization I am playing for with the utmost respect and character.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I personally believe there’s a difference between football players and difference makers. I believe I am a difference maker and will produce when I am given the right opportunity. I am someone who will do whatever it takes to win and do my job at the highest level. I learn and grow through every situation and have the ability to adapt in moments of pressure.