Jhavonte Dean
Cornerback
Miami, FL
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jhavonte Dean: 6’1, 185-188 range and 4.4 40 time.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Jhavonte Dean: In Doral, FL at Dog House.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Jhavonte Dean: March 25th. I want to show them that I can move my hips. I am versatile.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Jhavonte Dean: Cincinnati and FIU, but my ACT scores weren’t high enough.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at JUCO?
Jhavonte Dean: The DB coach at Cincinnati had a connection and recommended me to go to the junior college in Texas.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Miami?
Jhavonte Dean: It was my favorite school growing up. They came late in my recruitment. They stayed with me. They were very loyal. They visited me in Texas. They were perfect for me. I was committed to Alabama at first, but I decommitted. There was a lack of communication. I had Arizona, Utah and Miami.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jhavonte Dean: My speed, my tackling ability and cover ability.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jhavonte Dean: I have been working on my 10-yard splits and 40 time. I have improved in the L-drill. I am a tall guy and it is not as easy to change directions. I have also been working on coming out of my breaks faster.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career at Miami.
Jhavonte Dean: First year, it was slow for me. I was learning the game and the scheme. Getting used to the speed of the game. I was playing a lot on special teams. Second year, I got much better. I had three INT’s, lots PBU’s and lots of tackles. I led the team in INT’s. I improved and became much better. I was also the most improved player on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What happened to the team during your senior year?
Jhavonte Dean: We had high expectations, but it didn’t end well. We just had some bad games and good games. We underachieved. We went 7-5.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jhavonte Dean: The team highlight was the North Carolina game. We had five turnovers and two defensive TD’s. I got an INT as well.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Jhavonte Dean: Just where I was last year to where I was this year. It was a big improvement.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Jhavonte Dean: They taught us that it is not just about the game. Life is more than football. You have to have good character, speak well in front of people and be a good person.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jhavonte Dean: It was the Philadelphia Eagles before. Now I don’t have one.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jhavonte Dean: Carson Wentz. He is a winner. He came in the league, and he had a tremendous second year. I love his personality.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DB?
Jhavonte Dean: Confidence.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Jhavonte Dean: I look at the personnel, concepts and communicate.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Jhavonte Dean: Cornerback DJ Ivey, nickel corner Romeo Finley, DB Gilbert Frierson and safety Gurvin Hall.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced?
Jhavonte Dean: My teammates Brian Hightower and Lawrence Cager.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jhavonte Dean: The fans. Walking to the stadium and playing. I enjoy everything about it. I have fun with my teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jhavonte Dean: Video games and music.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jhavonte Dean: Want to be a head coach in high school or college or an ESPN analyst.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Jhavonte Dean: Funny, outgoing, tolerant, honest and humble.
