West Liberty University’s Jeremiah Ortiz NFL Draft Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

Jeremiah Ortiz: What football means to me is more than a game. It gave me opportunities that nothing else could have ever given me. A chance to build my character, and know what it feels like to have a common goal with others and build to that goal. It also gave me friendships I never would have found anywhere else.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your season this year?

Jeremiah Ortiz: We fell short of our team goals this season. However, I was blessed to accomplish some individual goals. I was able to post the 9th best rushing seasons in WLU history. This led to an All-region selection and first team All-conference nod.

Joe Gaiter: What makes you ready for the NFL?

Jeremiah Ortiz: What makes me ready for the next level whether it’s CFL or NFL, is my ability to prepare and stay ready for my opportunity.

Joe Gaiter: Who would you compare your football skills to that currently play in the NFL?

Jeremiah Ortiz: I would compare my skills to patriots RB Dion Lewis. We are about the same stature. I can see myself doing a lot of things he does, creating mismatches for LBs out the backfield in the pass game. Another thing we have in common is the ability to run hard when needed.

Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you chose them?

Jeremiah Ortiz: I currently do not have one. But my sister has been playing that role for me, she used to intern at a sports agency and now works for CBS sports. She’s been getting me in contact with people as of now.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets over your college career?

Jeremiah Ortiz: No regrets, just lessons.

Joe Gaiter: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Jeremiah Ortiz: Work, passionate, spiritual.

Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation for playing the game?

Jeremiah Ortiz: My motivation has changed from HS to now. Back then it was just for the love of the game. Now my “why” is bringing joy to my parents just knowing how proud they are seeing my hard work pay off, because there were times where I thought the harvest was coming late and I wasn’t reaping what I sown. What I didn’t realize was it was coming right on time. God always had a plan for me from the jump. My other “why” is my community, family, little cousins, and people who look up to me. My goal was to just play for them as well and essentially show them if you want something go get it’s not going to be easy but you’re going to have to put the work in get there.

Joe Gaiter: If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you do differently?

Jeremiah Ortiz: If I could go back to my freshman year I would teach myself techniques I know now and focus on the little things.

Joe Gaiter: What separates you from other athletes that play your same position?

Jeremiah Ortiz: What separates me from them is my ability to work and compete at all times no matter the circumstances. I could be doing a simple drill in practice and I will be trying to perform that drill to the best of my ability just to get that much better. lol

Joe Gaiter: What has your biggest accomplishment?

Jeremiah Ortiz: My biggest accomplishment is not within the awards I received. It’s all the adversity I had to get to this point, that’s what I would say my biggest accomplishment is.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup plan if you don’t make it to the NFL?

Jeremiah Ortiz: My backup plan is to become a strength and conditioning coach for a collegiate football team.

Joe Gaiter: When is your proday/combine?

Jeremiah Ortiz: I have a CFL tryout at the end of February. Being a small school guy I have to try and get into other schools pro day so I’m currently contacting people to schedule one for the end of march.

Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?

Jeremiah Ortiz: Over winter break I was training at a place called want to get fast located in Rochester, NY where they primarily focus on fast twitch muscles. Since I have to finish my final semester, I been training at school. I’ve been trying 5-6 days a week depending on how much recovery I think my body needs. You can find me on all social media platforms @jayoh21