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Javante O’Roy: 2017 NFL Draft sleeper prospect interview

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 17, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas State Bobcats safety Javante O'Roy (24) breaks up a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Dominique Reed (3) during the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks won 42-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas State Bobcats safety Javante O'Roy (24) breaks up a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Dominique Reed (3) during the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks won 42-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas State defensive back Javante O’Roy is looking to make one final impression on NFL scouts in preparation for the 2017 NFL Draft…

Throughout his football playing career, Texas State defensive back Javante O’Roy has had to exemplify great patience. As a senior in high school, O’Roy tore his ACL and was unable to make an impression on college scouts at a critical time.

Prior to his ACL injury in high school, O’Roy was receiving some interest from schools like San Diego State, but was forced to head back to the drawing board.

“It was rough at that age,” O’Roy explained to NFL Mocks in an exclusive pre-draft interview. “Playing football, you’re wondering where you going to go and play ball the next four years. My route was thrown off because of my injury.

I didn’t get to play any of my senior season, and ended up moving out to San Diego to go to Palomar college. I had a little help from my uncle because I didn’t know where I would be living, so he helped me get established.

I played at Palomar and started getting some offers, and picked Texas State.”

At Palomar College, O’Roy showed off his playmaking skills early on, picking off a pair of passes in 2013 and proving his versatility in coverage and as a tackler. That earned him the aforementioned offer from Texas State, where he blossomed his senior season.

This past season, O’Roy racked up 74 tackles and two interceptions, playing the safety position and finding a true fit for his skills.

“It was amazing. We didn’t have the season we wanted, but we definitely took some strides as a program. You can definitely see it and feel it on the field. I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”

As he trains out in San Diego for the 2017 NFL Draft, O’Roy understands the value of versatility as a defensive back in today’s NFL. He feels like his experience at ‘every’ position at the college level will help him moving forward.

“I believe I’m very versatile. At every level I’ve been so far, I’ve played pretty much every position: corner, safety, nickel, I’ve played in the box. One of the highlights when looking at myself, I can make plays in the run and pass game. Really just a knack for the ball when it comes to forcing turnovers. I’ve had a couple forced fumbles as well as interceptions in my career. I think I can create plays and turn things around on the defensive side of the ball.

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I think I lead by example. I don’t think everything has to be done by just ‘rah rah’ yelling stuff. I think guys can look and see I’m putting in work. That’s what I’m able to bring to programs and add value to the team.”

O’Roy is prepping for the Texas State pro day on Tuesday, March 28th at the time of this writing. He’s hoping to make one final impression on NFL scouts and show them his improved speed and explosive athletic ability.

He’s already gotten in touch with a couple of teams this offseason.

“I’ve spoken to a couple at the All-Star game. The Jets, the Rams, the Raiders, and the Chiefs.”

O’Roy will be a name to monitor throughout the draft process. It’s clear he’s a hard worker that is willing to do whatever it takes to be an asset to a football team. NFL scouts will love his work ethic, and hopefully he can show them enough at the Texas State pro day to warrant serious draft consideration in late April.

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