Name: Jonatan Ward
School:  Kentucky State University
Position: P/K
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

This season i set my goals to be an All American, First Team All Conference, to beat all my schools punting records and to be top 10 in the country for punting and net punting. I am proud to say that I accomplished all of them. I was named First team All Conference, Second Team HBCU All American, achieved top 3 net punting and top 10 punting avg.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I took full advantage of the extra year by increasing my work outs, both at Bommarito and while at school. They helped identify, develop and improve my strong suits so I could apply the same on the field which worked out really well for me this season.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

They would say that I am very hard on myself and am always trying to push the bar to the next level in order to be the best in the business.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When I review film the first thing I always pay attention to is how far the punt returner typically stands. This will allow me to identify what type of punt I need to kick in order to make it difficult for them to return the ball. While watching film I also focus on their rushing efforts so I know how much time I have in the pocket to get the ball off.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I would say that what separates me from others is that I am able to turn a ball over consistently as well as I can place the ball where I want, when I want – making it hard for the opposing team to return any of my punts. This season alone I avg 43 yards per punt with a net avg of 40. I also have had great success with pinning the ball inside the 20.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

For my off-season I will be training in Miami Florida at a training facility called Bommaritos as well as training in Birmingham Alabama with coach Mike McCabe at One on One kicking.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My strengths as a football player is being able to be calm and confident when under pressure. I am also a positive individual that accepts feedback and provides the same in an effort to constantly improve, not only myself but also those around me. As a player off the field I am always looking to give back to the community and love to help kids and support organizations that aim to improve underprivileged people.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

I am very competitive and always competing against perfection. And I understand that success is earned but not given.