Jacob Maher
Tight End / Framingham State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jacob Maher: I am 6’4, 240 and my last forty time was a 4.73 at the junior pro day. I should be faster at my pro day this year.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Jacob Maher: I am training at Grossetti Performance in New Castle, PA. I am from Massachusetts. I saw their program online. I wanted to isolate myself. I started on January 13th and I will be here up until the pro day. We have 41 total guys here.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Jacob Maher: I didn’t get too many looks. Bryant University and Assumption gave me some looks. But they lost interest. Worcester State was my only D-III offer.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Worcester State?
Jacob Maher: I wanted to play football. I visited there. A couple of my high school friends went there.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Framingham State?
Jacob Maher: I could have transferred to Umass or Utah, but it would set my credits back. Framingham State is a fantastic football program. Players are really dedicated. Coaches and players were very serious about football.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jacob Maher: I am an aggressive blocker. I take pride in it. I have good hands. I catch a lot of balls. I have a high motor and run good routes. I have some speed. I do a little bit of everything. I can be a TE and a fullback. I play special teams. I blocked a punt my senior year. One of my teammates picked it up and scored.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jacob Maher: My 40-yard dash technique. I need to do every drill in the pro day to perfection. Details matter.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Jacob Maher: Individually, I was a big fish in a small pond. I played against D-III talent. I dominated from my sophomore year to my senior year. I was a three-year All-American. I worked hard in the offseason. I dominated. We were 8-0 in the conference and lost in the playoffs my senior year. I was a team player and I worked hard.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jacob Maher: The highlight this past season was when I recorded five receptions for 216 yards and three TD’s against UMass Dartmouth. One of the TD’s was a 97- yarder.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Jacob Maher: Three years at Worcester State, we never won the conference. Senior year, we won the conference and got to the playoffs with Framingham State. We lost to Wesley College.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Jacob Maher: They took no days off at Framingham State. I truly saw what it takes to win games. Before I transferred, they had a history of winning. The coaches are organized. We had a set schedule. We worked our behind off. Preparation was huge. We were always watching film.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jacob Maher: The Patriots.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jacob Maher: It was Rob Gronkowski before he retired. The current player is the Goat, Tom Brady.
Alex Khvatov: What do you think happens with Tom Brady?
Jacob Maher: He comes back to the Patriots next year. They will compete at a championship level. He needs more weapons. He didn’t have too much this year.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Jacob Maher: I am looking at their coverage if it is a pass play. Looking into who I am blocking if it is a run play. I am trying to understand how hard I need to block or more technical as a blocker.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next
season?
Jacob Maher: DE Joshua Onujiogu. He is a beast. He is a big body at 6’3, 240. He is strong and fast. He has so many moves. He is quick as a DE. He will absolutely play football after college. He has a high motor.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jacob Maher: I love the team aspect. Being around teammates. Everyone has the same goal. It is a brotherhood. Every game, you try to do the best you can to help the team win. The atmosphere and the camaraderie.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Jacob Maher: A leader holds himself accountable. He is disciplined and is responsible. He gives off energy to the rest of the team. He commits most of his time to the team and leads by example.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jacob Maher: I have a girlfriend of five years. We spend a lot of time together. I like hockey. I played hockey in high school. Working out in the gym.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jacob Maher: I am getting my degree in criminal justice. I want to be in law enforcement or a firefighter. I want to be in the FBI or a detective.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Jacob Maher: Determined, respectful, hard-working, unique and fun.
