Jaylen Dunlap
Cornerback – Senior
Illinois
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jaylen Dunlap: My height is 6’0 ½, weight is 190 and I run a 4.3 in the forty.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Jaylen Dunlap: I am doing my rehab in Chicago. Before the injury, I was training at Pete Bommarito’s in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Alex Khvatov: How did the injury occur?
Jaylen Dunlap: I injured my right knee in the summertime. I played hurt throughout my senior year. I missed two games. I came back during the third game. During training, I was getting through it. My knee was hurting throughout the process. I didn’t know what it was. But it was bothering me. During the last practice at NFLPA Bowl, I got the interception, made a cut and tore it. The ACL injury happened during the last practice. It was just an ordinary cutback. I have been doing it my whole life.
Alex Khvatov: How did your surgery go?
Jaylen Dunlap: I went into prehab to get my muscles strong enough before surgery. I was doing prehab down in Florida. Then I went to Pensacola to have surgery with doctor James Andrews. He has done a lot of these surgeries on a lot of guys. AP came back in 6 months. The surgery went well. He said that he saw much worse during his time. My injury was a minor ACL.
Alex Khvatov: How is your rehab coming along?
Jaylen Dunlap: It will be three weeks this Wednesday since surgery. I am doing well. I am just blessed and thankful. I see the progression. I am doing rehab six days a week and two times a day. I am going hard. It takes about 6-8 months to come back from an average ACL after the operation. I received the stem cell to my knee. Stem cell is something Dr. Andrews has bought into. I am expecting to be back in six months. I should be good for training camp.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Jaylen Dunlap: All of the MAC schools, Illinois, Michigan State, Indiana and Ole Miss.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Illinois?
Jaylen Dunlap: It was close to home. I wanted my family to come to my games and see me play.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the NFLPA Bowl?
Jaylen Dunlap: I led the DB’s in INT’s at practice. I was making plays. The week was good. I was flashing. I was the biggest corner there. I was the fastest and most physical corner. I wasn’t even 100%. I haven’t been healthy since May. Then I went down with the ACL injury.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you took away from that all-star game?
Jaylen Dunlap: I learned some different techniques from Coach Darrell Green. He taught us how to be a pro. He told us to be 10-15 minutes early. We should always have a pen and paper ready. You need to carry yourself like a pro.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback did you receive from scouts?
Jaylen Dunlap: They keep it general. They told me that I did a good job. They liked my game. They told me that I am a big guy who can move. They picked my mind to see the type of guy I am off the field.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest WR that you faced during that week?
Jaylen Dunlap: #85 from East Carolina (Davon Grayson) was savvy. He was smart. He knew my strengths and used my speed against me. He ran some double moves.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Jaylen Dunlap: It is on March 12th.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jaylen Dunlap: I am a physical corner. I can press and I am a willing tackler. I am not afraid to stick my nose in there. I can play in different schemes. I am versatile. I can also play safety and nickel. I have great speed.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jaylen Dunlap: Technique. I had four different college coaches. I got coached a lot of techniques. I never had the chance to get comfortable at one particular technique. If I can go to a team that can coach me and drill me, I would be willing to learn. My talent would take over.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career to us.
Jaylen Dunlap: I played in all 12 games as a true freshman. I led all corners in pass break ups. I had a high ankle sprain the next season. I redshirted and missed the whole year. As a redshirt sophomore, I played in nickel packages. During my junior year, I started every game. I tied for 10th most in school history with 11 pass break ups. I decided to come back my senior year. I was working hard the whole offseason. I overworked myself. I had the injury that came upon my knee. I was going two or three times a day in the summer. I had a deep bone bruise. I sat out the summer workouts towards the end. I sat out camp from July to September. I missed two games. I came back the third game of the season. I had a decent year. I showed some flashes. I was All-Big 10. The season fell short of what I imagined. I wasn’t as explosive as a senior because of the injury.
Alex Khvatov: What are you most proud of during your career?
Jaylen Dunlap: Perseverance. I have been through my ups and downs. We have been through a lot as a program. I have pushed through it. I have trusted the process.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jaylen Dunlap: My INT against Simmie Cobbs Jr. from Indiana. It was a big play on third down. I made a play on the fade ball.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jaylen Dunlap: The current player is Jalen Ramsey. He is a young guy, but he plays the game with high intensity. He plays hard. My measurements match up with his. I have the same potential.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a cornerback?
Jaylen Dunlap: Speed and quickness. You have to be able to mirror receivers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best WR that you have faced during your career?
Jaylen Dunlap: Corey Davis. He was fast, big and physical. He was a good route runner and had good hands.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Jaylen Dunlap: Safety freshman All-American Bennett Williams. Our other safety Stanley Green will be a junior. Freshman corner Nate Hobbs played well. LB Dele Harding. Freshman Big-10 WR Ricky Smalling is another talented guy.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jaylen Dunlap: Winning. There is no better feeling. I know how much I hate losing.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jaylen Dunlap: Chill with my girlfriend and watch movies.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jaylen Dunlap: I want to be a sports analyst. I already graduated with a communications degree. I am getting my Master’s in education in May.
Alex Khvatov: Finish the sentence, Jaylen Dunlap is….
Jaylen Dunlap: A hard worker. I am a guy that can persevere through any setback.
