2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jordan Pettaway, RB, Ohio Northern University

• Name: Jordan Pettaway
• Position: RB/ Return Specialist
• College: Ohio Northern University
• Height: 5’8
• Weight: 200lbs
• Twitter: jordan_pettaway
• Instagram: jordan_pettaway

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

With my speed and explosiveness, I feel like I’m a home run threat everytime I touch the ball and have the ability to change the game whenever the ball is in my hands. I believe my speed and my ability to make people miss separates me the best. 

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

When I was out for an injury, I felt like I had to bring value to the team on game days, our coach always talks about sideline energy and to look alive for our guys playing so taking part in that and doing whatever we can to hype up our team and not be selfish is key even if I’m not on the field at the moment because it’s not always about you

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing basketball, golfing, playing video games, listening to music

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

I see myself in a versatile role that can be used in many ways to go score but I feel that I can make a great impact as a kickoff returner as well and even starting out 

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

Definitely athletes mental health, I feel like it’s not talked about enough and with younger athletes it can lead to other problems without the right support system

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

I handle coaching very well, I don’t take anything personal at all because I know they want to make me a better player. So taking what their saying and use it to better yourself is the best thing to do and you gotta take some criticism to grow and be better

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Kyle Celestin, he’s the example of a hard worker and in my opinion is a top player. A true unselfish player and a baller who’s gonna have a ton of opportunities this year

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

I would say first my mom, she passed away back in 2011 and It’d be a blessing to talk to and see her again. Second I would say Jahmyr Gibbs because I enjoy his play style and it would be nice to pick his brain and learn from him and my third choice would be Kevin Hart because he’s hilarious and it would be a good time talking to him

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

If I were to be benched tomorrow it would be because another player outperformed me in an area I need to improve on, I hold myself to a very high standard so if I’m not on the field I’m focusing on improving and working hard on what I need get better at to get back on the field and being a great teammate

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

Wake up we usually go over to our meeting rooms and go over offense, defense and special team call outs, do chapel there then walk over and eat team meal, I always have to grab one banana after team meal, then do our polar bear walk, when I get to the locker room I start listening to music to get ready and put my pants on, get my wrists taped and then roll my legs out before I go out on the field

What is your favorite snack food? 

I’m a big candy guy so I would have to say lifesaver collision gummies

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I would say any zone run, dynamic or play action based scheme I can fit in. I feel that those schemes create the best opportunities for me to make big plays.

What is your degree in? 

My Bachelors degree is in Sport Management and I’m potentially aiming for a masters degree as well

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

I would give back to my father for everything he’s sacrificed and did to help and benefit me then I would pay off my student loans

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

One game we had in Columbus I started the game out ugly, I got the ball stripped from me at the one yard line right before I was about to score and then the next possession I fumbled the ball and the other team took possession. I was down and hard on myself at that time. After that I got an opportunity, the next 2 kickoff returns I take one back for a touchdown and then I take one all the way to the 10 yard line putting our team in a good position and still be in the game.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

Sessions by G-Herbo, Paris Morton Music by Drake, Vanilla Sky By Brent Faiyaz