Jackie Bates Interview
by Scott Porter
The star of Hampton’s defensive backfield spoke to us about how leveling Division I college football has impacted his life and career.
Scott Porter: What are you current measurements?
Jackie Bates: 5′10″/184 lbs. Fastest ever 40 time I ran was a 4.23. Right now the most consistent 40 time I run is a 4.33.
Scott Porter: What are your goals for the NFL?
Jackie Bates: My goals for the NFL are to get drafted high, I want to work as hard as I can to get drafted high and continue to work hard while I am there. Another goal I have is to make the pro bowl within three years of my career. I want to be a Hall of Fame player when my career is over.
Scott Porter: What would you tell an NFL team interested in drafting you?
Jackie Bates: I am always working to get better. I am a dedicated hard working player. I have rare ability that is not coach able. I study film a lot, and I am very dedicated to keep working on my technique to be the best player I can be. I am always working on the little things too, such as the things that are not physical like film studying and technique. I will continue to work hard and keep getting better. I am very coach able. I have found Christ in my life and the past is the past.
Scott Porter: What is your biggest accomplishment while in college?
Jackie Bates: I thought winning Oregon Freshman player of the year was a big accomplishment. I led the conference in passes defended.
Scott Porter: Who is the toughest player you have ever faced?
Jackie Bates: Adrian Peterson or Reggie Bush.
Scott Porter: What are you going to do to prepare yourself for the NFL this year?
Jackie Bates: Nothing personal right now. I am working with the team as it’s early in the season. A lot of people want me to work out for them and stuff. I am working with my team right on a lot of stuff such as improving my quickness. NFL is a different level so I want to be as well prepared as I can. That means when I start I want to be as physically ready as I can be. I am working on getting stronger and stronger and preparing for the NFL level.
Scott Porter: How do you think playing for a smaller school as impacted you?
Jackie Bates: Well playing for a smaller school effect your national exposure. A player from a household school as an edge up for exposure as smaller school prospects are not a household name nationally. I feel it also has some advantages. I have two experiences of football at Oregon and Hampton. There are plenty of players at my level who I have faced off against who are very good players. I don’t think the playing field is that much different. I also like the fact that I am seen as the underdog. People don’t know me as well and don’t rank me as high right now, so the pressure is off of me right now and I can shoot up the boards when they really get to see me play. I am an underappreciated prospect and I like that.
Scott Porter: Did you have a favorite team and player as a kid?
Jackie Bates: I was a huge Deion Sanders fan. When he was in Dallas, I was a Dallas fan, then he was in San Francisco, I was a 49ers fan, and when he was in Washington I was a Redskins fan, but mostly a Cowboys fan.
Scott Porter: What are your hobbies off the field?
Jackie Bates: I like to browse the internet, check out clips on youtube, chill and just relax and sleep.
Scott Porter is a freelance columnist who can be contacted here.