2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jesiah Pierre, OLB, University of Central Florida
- Name: Jesiah Pierre
- Position: OLB/ ILB
- College: UCF
- Height: 6’2
- Weight: 245
- Twitter: @jesiahpierre
- Instagram: Pierrexvi_
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?
My versatility, my IQ, aggression, and speed.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I’m a natural born leader. I will always be the hardest worker in the room and be a team player first.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I’d choose something that addresses both immediate and long-term issues, like education or climate change. Education has a ripple effect—it empowers individuals and can help address so many other challenges. And with climate change, investing in solutions today could make all the difference for future generations
Who was your role model?
My role model is Ray Lewis. Not only for his play style and passion for the game, but for his leadership. When Ray steps on the field his presence is known and his peers respect him. His care and love for the team is a big part of why they are successful. Though there can only be one Ray Lewis just as one Jesiah Pierre. I feel as if my game and characteristics relate to him.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Whoever believes in me the most.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Ladarius Tennison. His athletic ability, aggression and speed on the field for his size is impressive. He is also a very good specialist.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
It would probably be when people aren’t fully present in conversations. Like when someone’s distracted by their phone or not really listening. It’s frustrating because communication is a two-way street, and it feels like the interaction loses its depth
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Mrs. Geach. She was my 6th and 7th grade teacher. The reason why she is my favorite teacher is because she helped me mold a mindset that allows me to have a positive mindset and extreme belief within myself no matter what life throws at me.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
2022. First half of football season, I was in a low depressive state of my life that caused me to lose my starting job, my social life and cause my school work to go bad. I feel like everything is breaking down into pieces. However, I was blessed enough to really look myself in the mirror to dig deep and find the answers to get me back on track for my teammates, family members and school.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Wawa. It is the best gas station in the world and their food can compete with restaurant foods in my personal opinion. With the variety of options you have to fill your stomach up impresses me. I personally would like to add my own food ideas if I were to be in business with this franchise.
What is your favorite snack food?
Fruit snacks/Gummies
What is your degree in?
Bachelor of Arts: University studies Graduate: Certificate of Business
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Barack Obama – His ability to inspire and lead through difficult times is something I admire. I’d love to hear more about his perspective on leadership, the world today, and the importance of empathy in politics.
- Leonardo da Vinci – The sheer scope of his genius, from art to engineering, would make for an incredible conversation. I’m sure he’d have a unique take on modern technology and the way art and science are intertwined today.
- Maya Angelou – Her wisdom, grace, and insight into the human experience would make for such a meaningful conversation. I’d love to hear her perspective on life, resilience, and the power of words.
What is your biggest weakness? How are you working on it ?
If I had to identify a weakness, I’d say it’s that sometimes I can get caught up in overanalyzing things. I tend to want to consider every angle and possibility, which can slow me down or make decision-making a bit more complicated than it needs to be. To work on it, I try to focus on simplifying things and reminding myself that not every situation requires endless analysis. Sometimes it’s about taking a step forward, even if I don’t have all the answers right away
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at [email protected]
