Jordan Roberts is a crown hidden jewel in the 2013 NFL Draft. A West Virginia transfer who became a 2-time All-American at running back and all-purpose player for the University of Charleston, Jordan found himself at home in the record books. Rushing for 190 yards in one quarter and 273 yards in one half. As a senior, Roberts amassed a ridiculous 301 yards and 5 touchdowns in his final game with the Golden Eagles, and secured the WVIAC Player of the Year honors. To put it simply, you can’t say enough about Jordan Roberts to encapsulate his collegiate career. You would have to hit his Wikipedia page to get the full story (yes, he has one). It was my pleasure to interview Jordan for NFL Draft Zone.
Shaun DePasquale: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today Jordan. Can you tell me where you’re training for the NFL Draft?
Jordan Roberts: I’ve been training recently at Scott High School in West Virginia with coaching great Shane Griffith, who was my head coach at Scott and Nick Shreve a former Fairmont State All-WVIAC selection and physical therapist. I just started training recently though at A-Game Sports Performance with Eric Gerencir and Derek Raynes and all these people have helped me greatly improve my athletic performance.
SD: What do you feel are your strengths and things you may need to work on?
JR: My strengths are my versatility- I can play running back, wildcat quarterback, special teams, return kicks & punts and also block punts (which I blocked 4 in 2012). I have great hands out of the backfield. Another strength is that I run with power, speed, and vision. I try to do whatever it is to make big plays with the ball in my hands and without. Things I need to work on would be to be more patient as a runner- let my blocks develop and also you can never learn too much about football and always keep gaining knowledge to become a better football player.
SD: How do you feel your time at West Virginia, and later Charleston helped you prepare for the NFL?
JR: It taught me alot about football and time managment. I played for great coaches at the University of Charleston with Coach Vrable, Kirkland, Johnson, Albright, Hill, Gregory, and Shehl. It allowed me to pick up defenses better, to be versatile and learn multiple positions. I played all special teams at West Virginia my redshirt freshman year but did a lot at Charleston as well, returning kicks, playing wildcat quarterback, and blocking punts.
SD: What do you feel you bring to an NFL offense?
JR: I’m going to run with an attitude and with more heart than any other running back is what I’ll guarantee. I’ll make plays while taking no plays off, do whatever it takes to help my team win. I’ll just play wherever my team needs me to make the team successful.
SD: Have you received any feedback from NFL scouts?
JR: Yes. All 32 NFL Teams have shown interest with my agent and I. The Eagles and Lions scouts came to see me in the spring and they thought I had all the characteristics and traits to be successful in the NFL. They were also impressed with my tape. The Cleveland Browns called me and asked a ton of questions and were very interested in me a few weeks ago. Also, after the Regional Combine in Cleveland I spoke with 5 NFL Scouts one being from the Chicago Bears.
SD: Have you been invited to any All-Star games or Combines?
JR: Yes, I was invited to the 5 all-star games but I choose to play in the Aztec Bowl in Mexico. I just recently participated in the Regional Combine in Cleveland and thought I did really well.
SD: What player did you model your own game after?
JR: Marshall Faulk and Walter Payton. Payton ran with alot of heart as do I and he got me into running hills. I run hills a lot like Walter Payton. Also, Marshall Faulk was a versatile player who could do everything whether it was blocking, catching passes, and running the ball, which is similar to what I would bring to an offense.
SD: What has been your greatest accomplishment, athletically or personally ?
JR: I’d say making All-American in college as a running back and all-purpose player. And breaking 8 high school football records in West Virginia. I hold 9 school records at Charleston. 2 NCAA records- most rushing yards in a quarter- 190 yards, and most rushing yards in one half- 273 yards.
SD: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, living or otherwise, who would they be and why?
JR: Jesus, Walter Payton, and Marshall Faulk.
SD: Give me the name of a teammate that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition.
JR: I don’t want to mention all the names but I’d say as a whole the University of Charleston doesn’t get enough credit. We went 9-2 this year and should have made the playoffs for sure but didn’t get in. I also believe scouts should have flooded to our school during our practices to see me and some other guys that can definitely play at the next level.
SD: What message would you like to send to NFL teams about Jordan Roberts?
JR: I’ll do whatever it takes to contribute and help the team win. I’m a hard worker. I’ll outwork anybody and I have faith that I’ll make it. You will no discipline problems with me, I’m a high character player. I’ll do whatever it takes to be the best player I can be and hopefully win many Super Bowls.
SD: Last question, what would be your first purchase with an NFL paycheck?
JR: Put half in the bank. Buy a house, and give some to my family.
SD: Thank you so much for your time Jordan. Good luck in your journey!
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March 4, 2013 at 9:40 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
[...] Jordan Roberts – RB – Charleston – 5’10 – 219 – UDFA [...]
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May 4, 2013 at 10:09 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
[...] Benavides, OC, Louisville Kaderius Lacey, RB, Alabama A&M Rico Richardson, WR, Jackson State Jordan Roberts, RB, Charleston Darryl Stonum, WR, [...]