NFL Draft 2017 Q&A: Texas State DB Javante O’Roy

We recently got the opportunity to sit down and have a one-on-one interview with upcoming draft prospect Javante O’Roy. O’Roy was the anchor of the Texas State secondary last season in what was a rocky first season under Everett Withers. In this interview we cover multiple topics, including O’Roy’s experience playing multiple positions and what he can bring to an NFL franchise.

Adam Luckett: What was the JUCO process like coming out of high school?

Javante O’Roy: I ended up going to junior college because I had an injury during my senior year of high school. I was being looked at by some colleges, but I ended up not being up to play any games my senior year. That is what led to my junior college campaign.

AL: What ways did you improve during your stay at Palomar JC?

JO: I did a lot of growing in junior college, just like anyone would. There was never grades or anything that was a factor for me. It was just pretty much getting back healthy and getting those college offers and interests back.

AL: What was the injury you suffered in high school?

JO: I tore my ACL on my left knee.

AL: What colleges were looking at your before the knee injury?

JO: Some PAC-12 and Mountain West schools. San Diego State was a big one.

AL: Why did you decide to continue your career at Texas State?

JO: In junior college I finished up pretty early, so I was a mid-year transfer. I took my visit right after my second season in junior college and just loved it. The atmosphere of Texas State was amazing and they were just short of a bowl game. I wanted to help them build something special.

AL: Was Coach Dennis Franchione there for your first season?

JO: Yes he was there for my first year and then this past year was coach (Everett) Withers.

AL: What was it like going through a coaching change from your junior to senior year?

JO: It was a tough process. The new staff came in and they wanted to weed out the guys who really didn’t love ball, so they put a lot of us through some tough tests. We had to be really passionate about it (football) and grind for it. A lot of guys ended dropping off through the process of the change which was tough on us. We battled back, dealt with the adversity, and tried to come out and do our best this past season.

AL: Do you feel like that coaching change, the tough process, and only going 2-10 as a senior made you a better football player?

JO: I think it did for me. It forced me to step up when things weren’t going our way. I evolved as a player and had a good senior season. It was all a working process, the outcome wasn’t what we wanted it to be, but we did learn a lot throughout this past season.

AL: You really stepped your production in your senior year (74 tackles, 2 picks). What was the biggest reason for this improvement?

JO: This coaching staff really believed in me and my abilities going into the season. I went and represented our team at Sun Belt Media Day. I think it was their faith in me and my abilities. With having the experience of my junior season, I was able to start the entire season and show what I was capable of with a full amount of playing time.

AL: Any plans for a pro day?

JO: Yes at Texas State (March 28th).

AL: Goals for pro day?

JO: Really make sure I catch the scouts’ eye, mainly with the forty. I’m more than capable of running a time that will turn some heads. Especially when it comes to position work.

AL: What is your height and weight right now?

JO: 6’0’ 187 lbs.

AL: Did you play strictly corner at Texas State? Do you have any experience at safety?

JO: My first year I played corner and some nickel. This past season I played more safety. They put my in the box at a Will (LB) position as well. I’m pretty versatile as they put me all over the field depending on the situation.

AL: Do you believe you have the versatility to play multiple positions at the next level?

JO: No doubt. I know I can play in the box, I know I can cover. Wherever teams need me I think I can add value.

AL: Is there a specific position you are working at right now?

JO: Right now at corner, but I’m more than capable of playing any position the team needs.

AL: Did you play a lot of special teams at Texas State? If so, do you feel this skill is something you can add to an NFL franchise?

JO: Yes, I played on all four (kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return). I think this will be my ticket in. This will show that I belong on the field.