2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jacob Diamantos, LB, Benedictine University

• Name: Jacob Diamantos 
• Position: Inside linebacker
• College: Benedictine University 
• Height: 6”2
• Weight: 230
• Twitter: DiamantosJ6611
• Instagram: jjdia_4

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

I believe my capabilities in the passing game and ability to break down film. My comprehension in understanding how to use my opponents flaws and strengths makes me play with a high elite motor

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

My freshman year of college.  I was involved in a hit where someone side swiped me and I wasn’t able to play due to pain. I did the work over the summer and came back stronger than ever finishing third in my conference for tackles while being only my second year of play. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I spend most of time going to the gym, fishing outdoors, and playing chess. I spend a hour a day working on understanding chess at a higher level as my goal is to reach the master level

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

A jack of all trades and a go getter. Someone who’s going to get whatever that is needed done. I want to come in, do my assignment to the best capacity and best help the team. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

The foundation I would donate to would be The Jed Foundation. The Jed Foundation is a foundation for youth men that struggle with mental health. I have had a few of my friends struggle with challenges to the point where they have thought the worst. Whatever you have going on you should feel comfortable to talk to anyone. I’d so much rather have someone cry on my shoulder than have to attend their funeral.

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I enjoy it. I’d rather something be said to perfect my game than assume I know it all. Everyone’s perspective is important. Even if you evaluate their opinion and find something better, whoever’s coaching wants the best for you and the program so whatever is said is important. Doing your best to understand where someone is coming from has made me become the player I am today. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?  

My teammate John Thompson. He is a worker and a go getter. He puts in so much work to be great. He switched his position because we needed more help at nickel and has been showing that he will do anything to get the job done. Even if it means getting gritty.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them? 

If I could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, I would choose Luke Kuechly, Mark Cuban, and Kevin Hart.I would choose Luke Kuechly because I believe he is one of the smartest inside linebackers to ever play the game. I think he could give me valuable insight into the areas of my game that I should improve.I would choose Mark Cuban because he has built and invested in hundreds of successful businesses. If I could receive career or business advice from anyone outside of football, he would be my first choice.Finally, I would choose Kevin Hart because he is one of the funniest and most successful comedians in the world. I admire his work ethic, ability to entertain people, and the way he has built a successful career across comedy, film, and business. He is a people person. 

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

A random unlikely injury

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

My typical pre-game routine starts with a trip to the training room, where I get taped and complete some band work. After that, I head to the yoga room to work on mobility and go through my full stretching routine.While getting ready, I listen to music to help me stay focused and mentally prepare for the game. Then I head out to the field about 10 minutes early to go through hip-opening exercises, complete my warm-up routine, and run a few sprints so I can get comfortable with the turf and feel fully prepared before kickoff.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I personally love to snack on beef jerky.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

Any 3-4 system. 

What is your degree in? 

I’m a Criminology major 

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

I’d make sure I help the people financially that have supported me. Which is my mom and dad without them I wouldn’t be the man I am today and I wouldn’t be able to be me. I then would make sure I’m set for the next year of my life.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

During a game against Aurora, I made a mistake by biting on a fade-slant combination for an extra second instead of trusting my zone responsibility. That hesitation allowed the quarterback to float a pass over me for a 12-yard completion on the slant.After the game, I reviewed the play on film to understand exactly what went wrong and focused on improving my eye discipline and trusting my assignment. The following week against Concordia Wisconsin, they ran the same concept out of a trey formation instead of a trips formation. Because I had learned from my previous mistake, I recognized the route combination, and made a momentum-changing interception.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

Mr. Blue sky by Elecritc Light, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye, and Unwritten by Natasha Springwell.