Name: Jaylan Alexander
School: Purdue University
Position: LB
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 236
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
I set some very high goals, that l felt were very possible! I wanted to win the Butkus award & l think my stats & numbers were very worthy of it or at least in the conversation! I wanted to help build a winning team at Purdue & go out as a champion weather a bowl game or winning the BIG 10! We fell short of the BIG but we came out as champions in the music city bowl!
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
My last season was definitely my best, l put great film out there! I felt l really tapped into my leadership abilities, i can definitely improve them no one is perfect but i felt l finally found the right leadership Purdue needed! I went out with a bang!
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say l love the game of football, I’m very passionate it! Very smart when it’s comes to the game of football. I have a winning mentality.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
As I’m watching film l like to watch a lot of practice film to improve my skills, see how l played certain plays and where l can l improve on certain skills, weather it’s shooting an open gap faster, having a good drop in zone coverages to eliminate passing lanes, anything that i know can improve my play on Saturdays & soon Sundays. I also like to watch my opponents, study their tendencies, pick up different formations they like to run. Film is everything to me, studying the game of football is very important to me.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think my love & passion for the game is very different. I think l bring that old school love & passion but I’m an athletic linebacker that can make plays for you anywhere. In my opinion l think i can play safety, not a middle of the field type but l definitely can play a in the box type safety. I think my leadership abilities can transform a mindset of a defense.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
Just continue to improve on the things that got me this far now. I definitely want to start taking care of my body more, so improving on that. I was in Baton Rouge training for a few months. I’m going to continue getting 1% better everyday.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I think l will bring young leadership, someone who loves the game of football & loves competing! I’m a great person, very outgoing, good energy, good spirit person who brings joy to a room. I’m someone who expects the best from the ones around him & also push people to try to be their best!
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I was chosen to play this game, since l could remember my goal was to make it to the NFL, as l grew my vision became more than that. This is my purpose, the journey is one heck of a ride but regardless of how it goes I’m here to prove anything is possible with hard work & really loving something so much that you never give up!