2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jared Bartlett, LB, University of Cincinnati

• Name: Jared Bartlett
• Position: LB
• College: University of Cincinnati
• Height:6’ 2”
• Weight: 238 lbs
• X (Twitter): @bartlittt
• Instagram: @jaredbartlett_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Football runs in my family from my dad and uncle to my brother, I didn’t start playing until high school but once I did I loved it.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments are mostly tied to big wins and rivalry games my sacks against Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech or when I played against West Virginia at Cincinnati.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

A successful career, I don’t just want to say I made it to the NFL or that I was on a team. I want to make a difference and an impact, I want to earn respect and help my team win as much as possible. I want to make a name for myself.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Luke Kuechly for sure, for someone to be as consistent productive as him, I would love to pick up on some of his preparation skills and experiences.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My oldest brother Stephon, he was a pivotal part in me starting to play football. He had a successful career with the Steelers and through his experiences, taught me a lot about life and football.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive schemes usually include me blitzing, pass rushing or being a QB spy because that is where I was most productive. During my time at Cincinnati we had a blitz package where I had complete freedom with the games upfront, with cover 2 or man free on the backend.

What should we know about Jared Bartlett the person?

I’m pretty laid back outside of football, I do yoga, I have plants, I like the outdoors, I watch movies and listen to various music artists, I cook, etc. I do a fair amount outside of my passion but when it’s time for football it’s only football.

What stands out about your film the most?

My versatility, I have played essentially 3 different positions during my college career and I have been productive at each position. I moved to a box linebacker role this past season and had a productive season. With it being my first year playing I am no where near my ceiling in my development. I also play with a high level of effort and athleticism that is uncommon.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I deal with my challenges by analyzing the problem fully and realizing why there is difficulty. Understanding the problem is 50% of solving it. Next I research the resources or actions that I need to complete the challenge whether in steps or segments, finally I put it into action although some challenges just require grit and determination to complete.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a competitor, someone who will complete the task that he is given with everything that he has. Someone who understands everything is earned. A person that is positive to have in the locker room as well as someone who can eventually become a leader.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love football because it is a direct result of what you put into it. For the most part, nothing is concrete there is always something you can do to become better. You have to have the mindset of a competitor to be successful. There are times when you have to overcome adversity and you are faced with a choice of settling in mediocrity or rising to the occasion. I find value in that.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played against and why?

Tahj Brooks was pretty underrated. I thought he played well against my team at Cincinnati, he doesn’t get a lot of hype but I think he is a solid back.