Jeff Proctor
Running Back / Illinois State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jeff Proctor: I am 5’8 and 200 pounds.
Alex Khvatov: How were you preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Jeff Proctor: I had a weight rack at my house because all of the facilities were closed. I was doing speed work at a local park three or four times a week. I was doing speed work with Derrick Blaylock who played with the Chiefs. I was also working on my footwork and different drills with Rischad Whitfield. I also worked with Eric Griffin back in Indiana. He is my trainer back home. He has a small gym.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Jeff Proctor: I ran track. I ran 100m and 4x100m relay. I ran track for two years. During my senior year, we took third place in the 4x100m relay.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Jeff Proctor: I played corner, safety, and RB. I broke a record for the longest interception return at my school. It was like 90 yards. I was a pretty good at corner, but teams recruited me as a RB.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Jeff Proctor: Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, a lot of the MAC schools, Michigan State, and Iowa State.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Iowa State?
Jeff Proctor: Coach Lou and I got really close. We had a good connection. Then coach Rhoads left, and Matt Campbell came in. I spent one year there. I came in the same class as David Montgomery.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you go to JUCO in CA?
Jeff Proctor: My uncle has connections around college football. He is like my family. He knows JUCO coaches. He knew Daniel Algattas, who is the head coach at San Bernardino Valley college. Kenny Lawler was also one of the coaches that I talked to. The first year, I had schools looking at me. They wanted me to come after the first year. During the second year, I had Rutgers, Southern Miss, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota and Middle Tennessee State. Pitt was also interested.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Illinois State?
Jeff Proctor: Coach Hall and I connected right away. He is a real coach. They had James Robinson already. I knew that I could put up the numbers that I wanted. We run the ball a lot. They put you in position, so you can get to the NFL. I trust them and their connections. We had different scouts coming to see the team last season. Next year, I will put up my numbers.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Jeff Proctor: It was a good year before the injury. I learned a lot my first year. It will translate to my next year. I know what to expect now by going up against different competition and defenses. I learned a lot by watching James play. I partially tore my PCL at the end of the season against Missouri State on November 16th. I didn’t play in the playoffs. I am 100% right now. I feel faster. I have put on 15 pounds since last year. I was 185 last season. I put on this weight, and I feel stronger and more explosive.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from the team this upcoming season?
Jeff Proctor: Winning the National Championship. Our QB will be healthy. The defense is ready to play. We have a lot of guys coming back. The whole atmosphere around the team. Everyone is ready to work. Our coaches are fired up. If you are slacking, coaches will let you know. It is contagious this year. I want to have above 1,000 yards and help in any way that I can. Coaches will be able to put me in a good position.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jeff Proctor: First thing is my speed and quickness. It sticks out when you watch my film. I can make people miss.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jeff Proctor: Pass blocking is something that I need to get better at.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jeff Proctor: When we beat South Dakota State at their place. Everyone thought that we would lose to them.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Jeff Proctor: Nothing is given to you. Earn it through hard work and preparation. Work for everything that you get.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jeff Proctor: The Chicago Bears. I grew up in Chicago and then moved to Indiana.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jeff Proctor: I watch Tarik Cohen and Christian McCaffrey. They can do so many different things on the field.
Alex Khvatov: What is it like having your former teammate RB David Montgomery playing for your favorite team?
Jeff Proctor: It is pretty cool. He is really humble. He is down to earth. He acts the same exact way now as he did his freshman season.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Jeff Proctor: Brady Davis, Romeo McKnight, John Ridgeway, Brandon Simon, and Shanon Reid who transferred from Tennessee.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Jeff Proctor: When I was at Iowa State, I saw Baker Mayfield tear it up. Oklahoma also had a receiver in Dede Westbrook. He was really fast.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a RB?
Jeff Proctor: Make something out of nothing. When the hole isn’t there, what do you do.
Alex Khvatov: What did you learn from your former teammate RB James Robinson?
Jeff Proctor: Patience. I am a faster guy, but I didn’t let the play develop before I got here. He told me to not rush anything. Sit in the backfield, and the hole will open up. He was always offering help. He is a quiet and cool guy. He will break it down on film. We still talk to this day.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jeff Proctor: The adrenaline rush that I get when I have the ball in my hands. You never know what will happen on the next play. It is an intense sport and unpredictable.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jeff Proctor: Playing Xbox.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jeff Proctor: I am majoring in IT. I will graduate next spring. I want to get a job preferably in Chicago. I want to work in the IT field.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Jeff Proctor: Determined, dedicated, hardworking, courageous, and serious.
