Exclusive interview with Mercer OL Jason Poe: Small school journey, playing FB, and more

Mercer offensive lineman Jason Poe is one of the most unique players in the entire 2022 NFL Draft. If the NY Jets or any team is looking for a bowling ball of an interior lineman who can double as a fullback, they should look no further than Poe.

A no-star recruit coming out of high school, Poe was forced to change positions and go the JUCO route in an attempt to continue his football career. His five-year college journey has taken him to the NFL's doorstep — all he's looking for now is an opportunity.

At 6-foot, 300 pounds, what Poe lacks in size he more than makes up for with athleticism, motor, and desire. There may not be a player in this draft class more determined to succeed than this man right here.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Jason about everything from his football journey to the NFL Draft process to his wholesome hobbies off the field. Below is a full transcription of our conversation.

Jason Poe's football beginnings

Justin Fried: "So growing up you didn't really play a ton of football. It wasn't until high school that you tried out and eventually made the team. What was it that made you want to start playing?"

Jason Poe: "Me and my friend, Lecitus Smith, we started around the same time. They were calling over the intercom, 'anyone want to join JV for bodies?' We had already seen the guys wearing the jerseys and getting food on Fridays. So I asked Lecitus, 'do you want to go?' He was like 'I don't care.' And I was like, 'let's go man, if we're going to do it, we have to work hard every day.' Every single day, it's just been paying off."

JF: "And so [Lecitus Smith] was on your team, but he didn't play offensive line then, right? He was a tight end."

JP: "He was a tight end, yep."

JF: "And it wasn't until he got to college that they moved him to the offensive line and now look at him, he's an NFL draft prospect just like you."

JP: "Exactly man, it's amazing."

Playing a year at Hutchinson Community College

JF: "That's awesome man. Now, obviously you weren't super highly recruited coming out of high school, and you went on to spend a year at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas where you were primarily a fullback. What was that year like for you, both from a personal growth standpoint and from a 'hey now you're playing a totally new position' standpoint?"

JP: "First of all, it kept me tough, because you got to come out diving and hit somebody. Run full speed and just ram them like a ram. From a learning standpoint, it taught me how a running back actually thinks about his cuts and how you got to be behind your blockers. I'm used to people being behind me so that just helped me learn even more with my knowledge of the offensive line. When I'm pulling or double-teaming, where [the running backs] are going to fit. Also, the calls, the personnel, the plays, the motions, and just discussing stuff like that. It's different from the offensive line. Learning all of that helped me."

JF: "Right, and you can see elements of that in your game now. I feel like you pride yourself on being able to pull and get out and block in space, and you see that in your days as a fullback. You can see that transition there, and it shines through to this day."

JP: "Exactly."

Moving back to the offensive line in Division II

JF: "Obviously some schools liked what they saw because you got an offer to play offensive line again at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne and you jumped at it. How did that whole process go for you? Did they want you playing offensive line? Was it something from your high school tape that they saw?"

JP: "Yeah, high school. They were like 'man you were a good offensive lineman.' They wanted to see if I still had it, I said 'I'll do anything you need me to do,' and I did it."

Exclusive interview with Baylor LB Terrel Bernard: NY Jets interest, Senior Bowl, more

Transferring to Mercer

JF: "And it clearly worked out! After a decorated two-year career at Lenoir-Rhyne, you left to go to Mercer for your final season. I know you were able to reunite with your former coach, Drew Cronic, there, but how difficult of a decision was that for you?"

JP: "It was bittersweet. Lenoir-Rhyne was my home and leaving some of my teammates [was tough]. But you always have to better yourself. And then there was COVID and stuff, so I wanted to be closer to my family so they can come to games. Being closer to my family meant a lot to me, that was the main thing."

Playing Alabama and scoring more than Miami

JF: "So at Mercer, you actually had the opportunity to play against Alabama, and I believe that was like your second game there. What was that experience like for you? Making the trip to Tuscaloosa, playing in front of damn-near 100,000 people. That must've been surreal."

JP: "It was surreal, man. It was crazy and exciting at the same time, because like you said, we played a team from my conference in the first game and then jumped to the best team in college football at that time. You've got NFL draft picks all over the [field]. It was amazing seeing the fans screaming and yelling. We scored twice — more than Miami. All of those memories were great."

Experience at the College Gridiron Showcase

JF: "Right, so you go from JUCO to D-II to playing Alabama just like that. That must've been a wild transition process for you. So you had the opportunity to compete at this year's College Gridiron Showcase. Tell me a little bit more about that experience because honestly, I'm pretty unfamiliar with that whole process and I imagine many others are as well."

JP: "Man it was great. Shoutout to Mike Rittelmann because it's one of the best all-star games, for real. The way they had it set up, the practice, the 1-on-1s, it was really a lot of work. There was no time limit, we would just go and go. Whoever wanted to get the work would get it. So I went in there a lot of times. If I could have gone in there for every rep, I would've. It was great, man. Shoutout to CGS."

What position will Jason Poe play in the NFL?

JF: "Now of course you have experience playing both guard and fullback, and I believe you've even played some center. Have you gotten any indication about where teams see you at the NFL level? And also, where do you feel most comfortable?"

JP: "I'm comfortable wherever I need to train at. Some teams want me at center or guard, some teams want me at fullback. Some teams want me at both. A lot of teams think that I'm unique which is great. The more you can do, the more they want you to do. That's how I always think about it."

A Quenton Nelson/Ray Lewis hybrid?

JF: "Right, and I was about to ask about that. I feel this is going to be an interesting question because you're such a unique talent, but are there any players that you kind of model your game after, or just like to watch?"

JP: "I would say, at guard, probably Quenton Nelson. I like the way he pulls and the way he goes down dirty and hits people. And I would say my mindset is like a Ray Lewis type. You mix those two together, and that's a nasty guy."

JF: "Man a Quenton Nelson/Ray Lewis mindset? Like you said, that's nasty. Are there any teams that have shown a little more interest than others that you could potentially see yourself with come draft day?"

The NY Jets and other teams showing interest?

JP: "I got some teams that like me. I like to keep it humble, I don't like to talk about the process and stuff like that. But I think it's going to be good. Whatever happens, at the end of the day, I just want a shot. If somebody takes me in the draft, that's fine. If not, that's fine. I'm just trying to do everything I can on my part and let God control the rest."

JF: "Absolutely, that's the mindset to have. I do have to ask, or at least I feel obliged to, since we are a Jets site: have the Jets shown any interest?"

JP: "I think I talked to them before, so I'll give you that." [laughs]

Jason Poe's wholesome hobbies

JF: "Hey, there we go. I'm glad to hear it. [laughs]. Alright before we go, I just want to do a couple of quick-hitter questions. Just some fun questions. What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of football? When you're not playing football, what do you like to do?"

JP: "I like getting up at like 4:30 every morning and just working out, I'm not going to lie. Just working out, going crazy. I read the Bible here and there. I like to read that from time to time. And if I can help somebody, I'll do that. I really don't watch a lot of TV. When I do, I watch sports and stuff like that. But that's what I do."

Exclusive interview with Fayetteville State CB Joshua Williams: HBCUs, Senior Bowl, J. Cole, and more

Go-to karaoke song

JF: "That's about as wholesome of an answer as you could have given. Helping people, working out, and reading the Bible. I love it. That's as wholesome as it gets. [laughs] Lastly, what is your go-to karaoke song? So not your favorite song, but if someone gave you a mic right now and said you had to sing, what are you signing?"

JP: "Oh let's see. I'd probably say Michael Jackson's Beat It." [laughs]

JF: "OK, OK, I dig some MJ. That's good." [laughs]

JF: "Alright Jason, I really appreciate you taking the time and I want to wish you the best of luck with the draft later this month, I know you have a busy couple of weeks coming up. Maybe you end up in New York, but either way man, I really appreciate you taking the time and best of luck with everything."

JP: "Hey you never know man, God got a plan. We'll see, it's coming up."