Jarell Addo
Defensive Back
UMass
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jarell Addo: Height is 6’2, weight is 207 and I haven’t run the forty. We have focused on the 10-yard splits. I expect to be in the high 4.4’s or low 4.5’s.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Jarell Addo: At Exceed Sports in Westborough, Massachusetts.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day? What are your overall expectations for that day?
Jarell Addo: It is on March 21st at UMass. Overall, I am expecting to have a great day. I am expecting to jump well and run well. I want to show off my footwork and hitting ability. I was a linebacker in college. I will play the safety position at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Jarell Addo: The schools were UMass, New Hampshire, Maine, Colgate, Yale and Holy Cross.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose UMass?
Jarell Addo: I went on a couple of visits to New Hampshire with my high school teammate WR Neil O’Connor. I am training with him now. I went to UMass with my brother and my mom. I knew a couple of people on the team. They did a great job recruiting me. Their sports management program is great. It is one of the top schools in sports management.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jarell Addo: I bring leadership and great energy. I am relentless. I am a very good tackler. I am accountable.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jarell Addo: Getting faster. It doesn’t matter what position you play, you could always get a little faster.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Jarell Addo: I redshirted my first year. I transitioned from safety to the LB position. I had to learn the plays. I played mainly special teams my first two years. During my redshirt junior year, I was splitting time with one of my teammates. After the Temple game, I felt more comfortable and knew my role. As a senior, I was a team captain of the team. I had my best year. We didn’t get as many wins, but the senior class left the team in good shape. We helped change the culture and created more of a winning mentality.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jarell Addo: One of my highlights was against Tennessee. It was my first year starting. I started and played the whole game. It was my breakout game against an SEC opponent. We could have beaten them. After the game, I realized that I could play with the best of the best. It led me to believe that I belong out there.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Jarell Addo: Getting my degree in sports management and a minor in sociology.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Jarell Addo: I learned a great deal. You have to respect what others have to say. They helped me turn it up a notch.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jarell Addo: I don’t have a favorite team. I am from Massachusetts, so I have to support the Patriots.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jarell Addo: Ed Reed or Brian Dawkins.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DB?
Jarell Addo: Being disciplined. There are a lot of things going on, post snap and pre-snap. You have to be disciplined with your eyes.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Jarell Addo: I like to see what personnel they have whether they have more backs or receivers. I read the guards and the tackles. If the guards’ step before, it will be a run play.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Jarell Addo: On the defensive side, CB Isaiah Rodgers. He is athletic and has speed. Hybrid LB Xavier Steele has great potential. WR Jessie Britt, WR Brennon Dingle and LB Chinedu Ogbonna.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Jarell Addo: During my redshirt freshman year, it was Notre Dame’s LB Jaylon Smith. He was a dominant force. He was everywhere.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your teammate WR Andy Isabella?
Jarell Addo: I have nothing, but good things to say about him. I am good friends with him. He is a great teammate. He is the hardest worker. He was an example for us. He was always doing the right thing. He eats, sleeps and breathes football. He has been receiving accolades. He has been praised at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. He deserves it. He has worked hard for everything.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jarell Addo: Football brought good things into my life. I have made life-long friends. You form a brotherhood. You have a common goal with your teammates. You put your egos to the side. You are trying to achieve something greater than yourself.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Jarell Addo: The hard work that I put in. My work ethic. I bring the best out of myself and others.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jarell Addo: My brother Shugg is a rapper. He has his own studio. I hang out with him as he makes his music. He has done tours in CA, gave concerts in Mexico and Rhode Island. My brothers, my teammate and I have our own brand. The brand is called Ja-Ja apparel. Just aspire, just achieve. We have been making moves with it. You can find our gear in the CFL, NFL, NBA and some known celebrities wear it.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jarell Addo: Keep pursuing the brand and invest in real estate. It is also been my dream to own a sports team when it is all said and done.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Jarell Addo: Accountable, honest, respectful, tenacious and dedicated.
