Jalen Ramsey has dominated headlines for the past couple of months leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft. There was much speculation about which team would land him. Now the wait is finally over. With the #5 pick overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars chose Ramsey to be the newest addition to the young talent they are fostering. The Jaguars were in search of a defensive player and they have found versatility in Ramsey. He is regarded as the Draft’s best athlete and can play both cornerback and safety.
His first reaction when entering the interview room at the Draft: “Man, I’m so happy right now. Not going too far from Florida State. Teaming back up with Telvin and Rashad. Hopefully bring Jacksonville back to the top.”
“They called me less than a minute after Dallas’ pick went in. I saw the 904 area code and I picked it up quick. I didn’t even let it get through one ring. They told me, we’re going to pick you. Enjoy this moment with your family, we’ll see you in Jacksonville.”
A sprinter and champion long jumper for Florida State’s track team, Ramsey finished his junior season with the Seminoles with 52 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and a team-high 10 passes defensed. Named a team captain for the 2015 season, he was also voted the team’s defensive MVP and an All-American. A native of Smyrna, Tennessee, Ramsey attended Brentwood Academy where he also starred in track and field, etching his name in the Tennessee record books his senior season with a long jump of 25 feet, 3.25 inches at the 2013 TSSAA Division II state finals.
When asked by Pro Player Insiders what he wants the fans in Jacksonville to know, he responded with “I’m coming to Jacksonville. I’m ready, I’m ready.”
I’m sure Jacksonville is ready for him too. Last year, the Jaguars took a huge blow when first round draft pick Dante Fowler, Jr. suffered a MCL injury during his first practice and missed the entire 2015 season. Now a recovered Fowler will rejoin Jacksonville for the 2016 season. With Ramsey and Fowler added to the mix, the Jaguars are looking to record more wins in their fourth year under head coach Gus Bradley. Ramsey is expected to make an impact and he is up for the challenge.
“I’m going to go in and do everything in my ability, give it my all, work hard each and everyday, and try to be the best teammate I can be,” said Ramsey. “I’ve always stood by the comment that I felt like I was the best player in this draft. Every day I’m going to work and try to prove it, grind, earn the respect of my coaches and teammates, go out there and give it my all.”
“As a defensive back, I feel you have to be confident. Ups and downs happen during the game. You have to remain confident in your preparation that you put in. I think that is the key factor for defensive back. I think it’s a strong point specifically for myself.”
Ramsey is known for his confidence but his faith is just as strong. He recently elaborated on that with Pro Player Insiders: “I pray every single day. I read the bible every single day. I know who put me in this situation. He’s given me all my talents and abilities. He surrounded me with the right people. All my faith is in God at all times.”
That theme of faith and family remained during his post-Draft interview. “I know God has blessed me so much. I have a great support system in my family. I want to make them proud of me as well.”
Although Ramsey is eager to contribute on the football field, he also shared his desire to make an impact in the Jacksonville community. “I love the kids. I love the fans. Anything I can do when I have time, I’ll always be around to do whatever I can do.”
It will be great to see how his career plays out on and off-the-field. Pro Player Insiders wishes him the best of luck in Duval!
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