2011 NFL Draft: Julio Jones Just Wants to Play Football (B/R Exclusive)
Julio Jones, a wide receiver out of Alabama, is expected to be drafted in the top half of tonight's 2011 NFL Draft.
He couldn't be much happier about that.
I sat down with Jones as he was preparing for Thursday night and undergoing some athletic testing with Gatorade—learning how the things you put in your body affect what comes out of it.
Jones is a man of few words but he made one thing clear, he's ready to play the best football of his life for whichever team he plays for.
On the Pre-Draft Process
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"I'm feeling great, no stress, the foot is great, feels great. I'm enjoying the process."
Jones was able to work out at the Combine, even on a foot injury that would have sidelined most football players—especially wide receivers. Jones posted great numbers and had some questioning whether A.J. Green is really the top receiver in the draft.
He doesn't get caught up in the Internet draft info whirlwind and doesn't really pay attention when people talk about it.
He's never looked at a mock draft—at least, that's what he says.
On What Team He Wants to Play for
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"I feel like I can fit in any system....I just love to play the game."
Perhaps, one of the reasons Jones doesn't like to look at mock drafts is that he just doesn't care who he plays for. Jones told me that he didn't have a favorite team—college or pro—growing up. He never dreamed of wearing a specific jersey, and he doesn't care who's throwing him the ball.
He's ready for anything.
On "The Little Things"
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"A lot of people don't realize it's the little things that separate you."
Jones has been testing his body with the help of Gatorade, learning their specific method of hydration and nutrition.
While he didn't do much working out due to his healing foot, Jones did undergo some pretty rigorous poking and prodding, but he was glad to do it.
Jones feels that the littlest things—an extra drink even if you're not thirsty, the right supplements; or the better meal—that can put a player over the top.
Jones is no stranger to nutrition training. He credits the coaching staff at the University of Alabama for doing a great job preparing him for a professional career. He also learned a lot about nutrition with Athletes Performance Institute.
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On His Teammates in the Draft
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"Everyone comes from Alabama (into the NFL) with great practice habits."
Jones believes that his former teammates will have success in the pros—especially Mark Ingram, whom he called an extremely hard worker.
On his quarterback, Greg McElroy, Jones believes that he'll have a "tremendous NFL career." Again, Jones cited his hard work, along with his competitiveness, gamesmanship and winning attitude.
On Marcell Dareus, the big defensive tackle, Jones only needed one word.
"Beast."
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
