BJ Bobby, Kennesaw State, NFL Draft Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

BJ Bobby: Football means a lot to me. Football has taught me a lot about life on and off the field. It has help me build character and made into someone did I didn’t expect to be.

Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories of Hillgrove HS?

BJ Bobby: My fondest memory from Hillgrove was my senior year in 2015 and we played our rival McEachern HS. If you know Hillgrove vs McEachern is the biggest games in Georgia. Of course, Hillgrove won but the energy and the hype build around the game was incredible and hard to explain. That game was also for region champs, so the game was an important one we needed for our school and community.

Joe Gaiter: Where did you go after high school?

BJ Bobby: After high school, I didn’t get recruited that much and it had been a childhood to play D1 football. After graduation I went to Western Kentucky University for two years, my second year there I tryout to be a walk on and unfortunately that didn’t work out. I came back home and tryout out at KSU didn’t make it then went to West Georgia didn’t make it and then gave it one final try and by the grace of God I was a D1 athlete at KSU.

Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose KSU as your next school for higher education?

BJ Bobby: I’ve always heard about KSU being not too far from campus, but I didn’t hear much about their football program. So, coming back home and not hearing much this team was a big risk but from the little info I knew I still wanted to be part of something great.

Joe Gaiter: What  was your contribution to Kennesaw State football team?

BJ Bobby: I think my contribution for KSU football was having leadership in the locker room, on and off the field. As a walk on you don’t get that much respect but when younger guys look up to you, you have to be able to set the energy for them to follow. In my short time in being at Kennesaw State, I’ve learned the culture about the program and holding other accountable and that is something that I can take with mw the rest of my life.

Joe Gaiter: What makes you a great Defensive Back?

BJ Bobby: What makes me a great DB is my IQ for the game. I’ve been playing football ever since I was in 4^th grade so my love and passion for the game is a lot. I’m big on watching film, I like to watch what I need to work on, how to read offenses, receivers.  and how I can learn from my mistakes and correct them on the field. Also, what makes me different is my foot work, I pride myself of good technique. I’m a firm believer that practice makes perfect so practicing foot work, opening helps is what I constantly do a lot

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

BJ Bobby: I would compare my skills to Tyrann Mathieu because of the way he plays. He plays with a huge chip on his shoulders since he started in the NFL from the adversity, he faced which I can relate to. Also, another player I would compare myself too is Kenny Moore from the Indianapolis Colts, his style of play is very smooth especially his footwork.

Joe Gaiter: How was your pro-day?

BJ Bobby: My pro-day wasn’t bad, honestly, I could’ve put better numbers on the board, but I had a mix of nerves and butterflies. But that’s not an excuse I still know my potential and have the potential to complete with whoever lines up against me.

Joe Gaiter: How have you face adversity during the season?

BJ Bobby: I faced a lot of adversity on and off the field from dealing with position changes to worrying about family back home. There were certain times where I almost decided to hang up the cleats but from the support from my family and close friends, I decided to fight the fight and push through it.

Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?

BJ Bobby: By God’s grace in the next 3 years I see myself in the NFL going into work every day, competing with some of the best athletes in the world.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have an agent? If not, what are you looking for in an agent?

BJ Bobby: Right now, I don’t have an agent, but I’m still looking for one. I am willing to work with anyone I’m a very hard-working individual. All I really looking for in an agent is someone trustworthy, having that faith and courage in me, and being able to make things work at any given moment. But the biggest factor is having that faith in me, I’m just a type of person who doesn’t like to disappoint at all.

Joe Gaiter: How you feel like you have reached your athletic peak?

BJ Bobby: Absolutely not, I’m still on the journey on reaching my potential. I’m still learning new ways to elevate my game and skills. Everyday there’s something I can work on to help me reach my peak whether its physically or mentally. But honestly, I still have a lot work to do to reach that peak.

Joe Gaiter: What should your future NFL/CFL team should know about you?

BJ Bobby: Well they are getting a guy who has a chip on his shoulders. He respects the game of football and always trying to elevate his game one way or another. A guy who has a high IQ for the game and likes to focus on technique. Off the field he’s a determined hard-working individual that always cares about his family first. His personality is chill and peaceful and always has a smile on his face.

Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during the offseason?

BJ Bobby: During the offseason I go to multiple places for training. I started out at Ultimate 48 for speed and lifting, just to get my body right. Also, I train with Oliver Davis II for DB drills and foot work also. Lastly, I train with DeAndre Jackson also for speed and foot work.

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

BJ Bobby: At an early age I had to become the man of my house. In 2011 my dad had a stroke leaving him paralyze on his left side of his body. Ever since that moment I had to take on responsibility of certain things for my family. I’ve had to look at life different, for someone who went to work every day and took care of what they had to struggling to get out of bed or brush his teeth. That event humbled me a lot and just make me work harder for what I want to work for.

  

Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets?

BJ Bobby: No, because I personally think having regrets are putting a hold on situations in life that would help you move on in life. I feel that everyone doesn’t have regrets they have mistakes and in order for us to grow in life we have to learn from our mistakes.

Joe Gaiter: What is your advice to highschool athletes going into college?

BJ Bobby: My advice would be really taking the time to study all the schools that are recruiting you because I’ve had many friends who committed and once they get to school they transfer because of playing time, etc. Trust the process and enjoy Friday nights with your brother because even though college football is exciting there moments, I think about from high school that I really enjoyed.

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