Name: Jay Vallie
School: University of Dayton / Eastern Illinois University
Position: TE
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My work ethic and dedication to my program and teammates earned me several acknowledgements, including preseason 1st team all-conference and being voted by my peers as a team captain this year.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I am a guy who leads by example; I believe in doing things the right way no matter who or if anyone is watching. I am a “team-first” guy, and make the decisions and sacrifices necessary to bring my team more success.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
During the season, after I know the general tendencies of the team we are playing, I like to look at the matchups I’ll see myself in. I’ll evaluate the players I have to block or run against and see what kind of technique/ moves they use. From there, I can decide what combinations of power and speed I can use to win against them. In the off-season, I study current and former NFL tight ends, and try to look at raw game film rather than their highlights so I can see them in different roles of the game. I like to emulate pieces of multiple tight end’s games rather than try to play just like one because there are so many different things tight ends can do and be good at.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I am a versatile tight end. Some guys that play this position are either really good at blocking or route running, but many don’t do both. I am comfortable being put anywhere on the field, whether it’s in-line, in the wing, backfield, or flexed out.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am going to be doing my training in Miramar, FL at TEST Football Academy. TEST has an impressive list of guys who have been through their program, with one of the most recent prominent players being Kenny Pickett, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I bring a wide range of skills to a team. Offensively, I have held multiple roles as a blocker and receiver, and I was also involved in multiple special teams throughout my career thus far. I am a highly cerebral player; there are different ways to attack defenses based on their personnel and my individual matchup and I have a good feel for where to make adjustments to be successful.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Before college, I always thought I was a basketball player. I didn’t have much, if any, football-specific training or exposure outside of the high school football season. My skills were raw and I had a lot to learn. I was dedicated to working on my game physically and mentally, and evolved into the player I am today. Being in a true pro-style offense for 6 of my 7 years in college, the high-level intricacies that come with this kind of playbook have become easy for me to learn and adjust. I’ve played under 5 different coordinators, which has taught me how to quickly learn new playbooks and schemes that I am not familiar with.