Jakob Dempsey – Offensive Lineman – Jacksonville University
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jakob Dempsey: 6’2, 300, 5.3.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Jakob Dempsey: In Jacksonville, FL at a few different spots.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.
Jakob Dempsey: I really enjoyed myself. It was great being able to perform in front of all those scouts and coaches. I had two of my teammates with me, so that was super comforting, as well as all of the PFL guys there. I was on punt teams and I’ve never done that in my life, but it was awesome running down there showing my athleticism. My team converted the game winning two-point conversion, and the WR from my school caught it so that was a great moment for both of us.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that weekend?
Jakob Dempsey: In college, we ran the triple offense, so we would only pass the ball like seven times a game. I pass protected more times that weekend than I did in my past three college seasons. The biggest thing I took away was just the experience and live reps.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced at the FCS Bowl?
Jakob Dempsey: D-tackle from Widener University (Vince Char). He had his plays, and I had mine.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Jakob Dempsey: Jacksonville University was the only D-1 college that offered me. A coach from Cornell came to my high school, and we talked for like an hour, but I just didn’t have a high enough SAT score.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Jacksonville University?
Jakob Dempsey: Close to home. I’m from Palm Coast, so Jacksonville is only an hour north.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jakob Dempsey: I am a very quick learner, super strong and coachable.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jakob Dempsey: My pass protection. I just haven’t had a lot of real reps. We only practice it for like five minutes during practice because we were so run heavy.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Jakob Dempsey: I was one of like five freshmen who made the travel list and was the only one who got exceptional playing time. After my freshman year, we went through a coaching change and nearly my whole recruiting class left. I decided to embrace the new coaching staff and bought into their program quickly. Junior year, I received honorable mention and led the team in knockdowns with 97. Then got first team all-conference my senior year and led the team in knockdowns again with 100.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jakob Dempsey: My junior year, we beat Campbell University in 3OT, and it was their homecoming game.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Jakob Dempsey: Being elected captain my senior year, it showed that my teammates believed in me.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Jakob Dempsey: There’s only two things you can control, attitude and effort.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jakob Dempsey: Pittsburgh Steelers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jakob Dempsey: Larry Fitzgerald. He is such a great player and plays with such class.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Jakob Dempsey: Grit. You have to be able to grind and work hard with the little spotlight you get.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Jakob Dempsey: I look at which foot the D-lineman has back. That tells which way he is stepping. I also look for blitzing linebackers.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next
season?
Jakob Dempsey: Calvin Turner. He was our sophomore quarterback. If you don’t know the name yet, you will.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Jakob Dempsey: Drake’s D-line. They did a lot of stemming and moving around, and we weren’t really prepared for that.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jakob Dempsey: Being able to physically move someone into the ground against their will.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Jakob Dempsey: My dad. He is a house painter and basically instilled the hard work mindset in me.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Jakob Dempsey: A person who you can rely on when you can’t rely on yourself.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jakob Dempsey: I play guitar, I like video games and working out.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jakob Dempsey: I’m studying education. I want to be a high school math teacher and football coach, if football doesn’t work out. But if it does, I want to open my own gym with the money I make.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Jakob Dempsey: Strong, funny, competitive, hardworking and a leader.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
Jakob Dempsey: I think the Saints are going to win. Drew Brees is going insane this year.
