2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jah Joyner, EDGE, University of Minnesota

• Name: Jah Joyner
• Position: Edge
• College: University of Minnesota
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 265 lbs
• X (Twitter): @jahjoyner2
• Instagram: @jahjoyner

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

I decided to be a football player when I was in sixth grade and a football coach wanted me to play sports at that age. I started liking football at that age, but I didn’t fall in love with it until sophomore year of high school and I think the biggest difference was finding myself in the game meaning it wasn’t just about football. It was about the people that surrounded me in the game, good and bad and seeing my parents live through the game with me like that was the biggest thing why it stuck with me and seeing them, see their son succeed.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments playing the game was definitely the scores. My first touchdown. That was a big moment for me because I never thought I would do that on the defensive side, but picking up a fumble that was pretty special. Getting picked up by Minnesota that was a pretty special moment for me and getting my first sack with the Minnesota Gophers that was a big moment for me and my family because I felt as though I belonged in that league and that was big for me. Another big moment was beating Iowa in Iowa for the first time in Fleck’s career.

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

The biggest thing I do want to achieve going into NFL is getting the trust of not just my coaches but the players as well and just getting on the field and having fun honestly.

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

If I could hang out with any football player, it would have to be from the Eagles because I’m an Eagles fan so I think either Michael Vick or even Brandon Graham I think those guys I looked up to watching the game and I love the way and how they play the game.

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

I wouldn’t pick one specific family member. I think they all have been a true inspiration in my life. Fortunate enough to have both my parents in my life and both of their support in my life. My dad and I have gone through so much football wise and off the field as well gaining our relationship together and building it.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme would have to be the four down front. I do like putting my hand in the dirt and getting after the passer so a more vertical scheme.

What should we know about Jah Joyner the person?

I’m definitely a guy thats always smiling and a guy that relates to a lot of situations and people’s lives. I am l a gamer and someone that likes to write.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think the biggest thing when you see on my film is my get off is elite getting hurt I kind of took a step back from that. I’ve shown the long arm as well in my career and the long arm ghost and those have been a success for me. The biggest thing when talking about sacks is it’s not always about sacks it’s about affecting the quarterback and I think I’ve done that.

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

Handling challenges I am very big in faith and family so I’ll go to them every time on the field and off the field.

What would a team get in a player like you?

You’re going to get a player that’s going to compete and get better every year, I’ve shown that over the course of my years at Minnesota and throughout the seasons at Minnesota.

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

I love getting after the quarterback that’s the number one thing that excites me when playing this game.

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

Ethan Robinson is the most underrated, why because he came from a FCS school and I think he proved a lot of people wrong this year coming into a system and a conference that people thought would be challenging for him. Another person is Danny Striggow and his body of work at Minnesota and his leadership is something that people don’t look at enough.