With the NFL draft approaching next month, Post columnist Steve Serby caught up with Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle for some Q&A.
Q: I’m an NFL GM: Tell me why I should draft Jaylen Waddle.
A: I think I’m just different, I’m versatile, you can put me anywhere — outside, inside, special teams, punt returner, kick returner. And if it’s a play that could be made, I believe I can make it. Every team needs a guy like that. That’s what makes me, me, and that’s what makes me different.
Q: What are your career goals?
A: I want to have a legendary career. I want people to remember me as just electric and just something that they’ve never seen before, a guy that could make any play, and make a lot of plays in a lot of different ways.
Q: How many times have you been to New York?
A: I went once.
Q: How long ago was that?
A: That was like when I was like in middle school.
Q: What was the purpose of the trip?
A: We had a basketball tournament out there.
Q: How would you feel about playing on the big New York stage?
A: It would be great. … I think anywhere I land, it’ll be great. I think it would be fun.
Q: You like the spotlight?
A: Definitely. I don’t really believe in, like, pressure, or anything like that. But I think it’s a nice place to play.
Q: What do you know about the New York Giants?
A: Besides the regular, my sister was a Giants fan when we were growing up.
Q: Why was your sister a Giants fan growing up in Houston?
A: She liked Eli Manning.
Q: What did you think of Eli?
A: I was definitely a fan of Eli, too.
Q: How much do you enjoy the return game?
A: I enjoy it a lot. You bring a spark any type of a way to the team.
Q: How is your ankle?
A: Everything’s going good, my training’s going well.
Q: Describe your emotions when you fractured your ankle in October, and what was your low point emotionally while you couldn’t play?
A: Just really disappointed. I wanted to be there for my teammates.
Q: What was your reaction when NFL players and others urged you not to play anymore and risk further injury?
A: I didn’t hear all that until days later. That was part of my decision-making process.
Q: How did Hurricane Harvey affect you and your family?
A: Lucky for us, Harvey didn’t hit our area too hard. It was really devastating for so many people around us. A few family members had to vacate their houses but nothing major.
Q: How was your family affected by the winter storm? Did they lose power?
A: My mom lost power for a few hours. My dad lost power for a few days. We were very fortunate in that situation too.
Q: Describe your on-field mentality.
A: Determined … physical.
Q: Aren’t you a little bit small to be physical?
A: Nah, not at all. You learn fast at Alabama you’re gonna be physical.
Q: What drives you?
A: Just want to be better than the guy I’m lined up against.
Q: If you could test your skills against any cornerback in NFL history, who would it be?
A: It’s gonna have to be Deion [Sanders], of course.
Q: If you could pick the brain of any receiver in NFL history, who would it be?
A: Jerry Rice.
Q: Who are wide receivers you’ve liked watching?
A: Of course I watched my Alabama family tree with Julio [Jones] Calvin [Ridley], Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs. I also like Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp, guys kind of built like me.
Q: What impresses you about Tyreek Hill?
A: Definitely his play speed, but I see more than just him playing fast. He’s very like physical and he’s more than just running around and just getting open.
Q: Are defenders surprised at how fast you play?
A: It’s pretty much expected, but I think they’ll be a little surprised.
Q: Who was your boyhood idol?
A: Chad Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson.
Q: Why Chad Johnson?
A: He was just different … personality.
Q: How does his personality compare to yours?
A: Very different (laugh). I guess that’s why he stood out to me, I guess.
Q: Who are athletes in other sports you admire?
A: I’m a LeBron [James] fanatic. LeBron’s my guy. I’m a big basketball guy.
Q: Were you a point guard in high school?
A: Yes sir, you know it!
Q: Who did you pattern your game after?
A: My favorite player of all time is Allen Iverson.
Q: Coach Nick Saban wouldn’t let you play basketball, I guess.
A: Nah, he was being selfish, he wanted me all to himself.
Q: What do you think about the Nets with Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant?
A: I think it’s a little unfair, but my Lakers are gonna get to ’em, for sure. I don’t know about my Rockets, but my Lakers, I got faith in ’em.
Q: Are you hopeful that Deshaun Watson and the Texans can patch things up?
A: I’m hopeful that they do. I think they will.
Q: Describe Coach Saban.
A: Definitely like old school, kind of like grandparent kind of vibe … real like my way-or-the-highway (chuckle) type of deal. He’s got a little sense of humor to him once in a while. But very structured and discipline-based.
Q: What makes him a Hall of Fame coach?
A: Really like never satisfied.
Q: What is the best play you made at Alabama?
A: Probably when we played Georgia. It was third down and we were down by a touchdown in the [2018] SEC Championship, the play breaks down, and it’s a scramble into the sideline, and then toe tap, and I’m gonna say the next play we end up scoring.
Q: How many positions did you play in high school?
A: I played running back, receiver, cornerback, I played quarterback one day. Our quarterback had a concussion, so he was out for a game, so we were pretty much in like Wildcat.
Q: Did you throw a touchdown pass?
A: I did! I threw two, to be exact.
Q: You also liked playing defense, right?
A: Yes. I’m a real natural-like corner by heart. That’s another thing Coach Saban didn’t want to let me do.
Q: Describe Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
A: He handled everything like a pro. Natural leader.
Q: Give me an example of his leadership and what is he like in the huddle?
A: He was a lead-by-example type of guy. Gave us whatever we needed. Never complained about anything we were doing. Level headed and confident.
Q: Running back Najee Harris?
A: Kind of the same, real hard worker, real professional, great teammate. He’s just self-driven and never really satisfied.
Q: Cornerback Patrick Surtain II?
A: He has long arms, good feet, and I think that’s gonna translate well when he goes to the NFL.
Q: How are you and DeVonta Smith different style-wise as receivers?
A: I’m versatile, inside/outside kind of player. Make plays in space and make people miss. He has a different body type. He’s more of an outside receiver, but a great talent.
Q: Any corners you’re looking forward to going up against in the NFL?
A: Defintely Patrick Surtain.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: LeBron, Jerry Rice, Barack Obama.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “Remember the Titans.”
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Johnny Depp.
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Zoe Saldana.
Q: Favorite entertainer?
A: Lil Wayne.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: Hot wings.
Q: What kind of impact do you think you can make as a rookie?
A: I think I can bring something different to the team as far as playmaking ability … take the top off … a guy that you can put anywhere and can look forward to making some type of plays.