GENERAL MANAGER JAMES GLADSTONE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
Q. James, if you could come up with a theme maybe for this year’s draft class, what
would it be?
JAMES GLADSTONE: Yeah, I think it was exactly that. It was a higher volume of draft capital
and ensuring we could prioritize guys that match and align with what I’ve spoken a lot
about, which are the intangible elements, elements that don’t necessarily always lie on the
surface but are beneath the hood, and I think it’s very clear internally that we were able to
do just that, and really excited about what lies in front.
Q. When you look at a guy like [LB] Parker Hughes, who you added with the last draft
pick, what jumps out at you?
JAMES GLADSTONE: There’s a ton to point to. Obviously, the fact that he’s somebody who
can run very fast, find the football, track it down and get ball carriers on the ground is going
to be really helpful to our cause. I’ve got to give our coaching staff, our scouting staff, who
in collaboration monitor the undrafted college free agent landscape and prioritize guys at
each position, there was a lot of heat from not only position coaches but also our special
teams coaches and our scouting staff coming into the process that made sure that he was
never an afterthought and somebody that over the course of this past month, Liam [Head
Coach Liam Coen], myself and Camp [Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile] were
able to really become intimate in understanding what he would offer and be able to
towards the end of the draft feel good about submitting his name.
Q. The state of your starting lineup, your two-deep going into the weekend, did that
allow you guys to take some more developmental prospects today, that you could just
spend this year smoothing out the rough edges?
JAMES GLADSTONE: I feel good about these guys that we have selected or in fact have
agreed to terms with in undrafted college free agency competing for spots and doing their
part to level up our play and the competition across the roster, while at the same time
knowing that there’s going to be some development required for sure, really knowing that
those guys are going to pour into it. We’re not going to invite anybody into this building who
isn’t a strong match for it, and the idea that those that we have are, in fact, built to thrive
and be the best versions of themselves because of the environment and that alignment
with what they’re actually built of and made of I think is really clear in this crowd.
Q. Back to Parker, A, who found him? B, in terms of linebacker, off-ball linebacker
philosophy looking back at your time with the Rams, where things stand now after two
draft cycles in terms of priority of the off-ball linebacker position, where you have
found value, how would you evaluate that?
JAMES GLADSTONE: Yeah, to go to the first portion of that question, just like with any of the
prospects, it typically comes from the area scout, so A-Rob [College Scout Antonio
Robinson] did a great job bringing his name to the table early in the down and had a ton of
heat, which ultimately funneled upward for our cross-check to then our undrafted college
free agency committee and then ultimately through that layered portion of interest, up to
coordinator level, myself and Liam. So, that’s kind of the transition of ultimately his viewing
and interest level.
But as it relates to the second portion of that question, certainly think you can find quality
players at a ton of different intervals, and we certainly had success towards the latter
portion of drafts and also undrafted college free agency in Los Angeles, specifically at the
linebacker position. But nonetheless, I think that instincts are certainly going to be
something that reigns supreme in that space knowing that a lot happens fast, and in the
specific interest of Parker, that stands out in a real way.
Q. What did you like about [DE] Wesley Williams?
JAMES GLADSTONE: A ton. That dude gets after it. He’s got the makeup that aligns with
everything that we covet, and the fact that he’s able to disrupt both the run and the pass is
really a helpful piece to our cause because we don’t want to be too one-dimensional
defensively, and in particular we want to stop the run. Knowing that he can do his part to
disrupt, while at the same time maintain fundamentals and techniques, it’s a really exciting
piece.
Q. Five blocked kicks for him, too.
JAMES GLADSTONE: It’s impressive. I know I went and watched those specifically towards
the latter half of last week because I hadn’t stumbled into them. I just stumbled into
something that we call did-you-know, and it was a little nugget that our analytics crew puts
together on each player, and as I’m just reading, I’m like, you know what, I’ve watched all of
his defensive snaps, all of his games, but let me go watch these blocked kicks specifically,
and then it forced me to go back and watch his special teams snaps, and even on a
number of the kicks that he didn’t block, he was creating disruption and getting really close
in a lot of instances, as well, so that’s certainly more than just happenstance. It’s a unique
piece that he offers.
Q. Why is he good at it?
JAMES GLADSTONE: It’s hard to explain. I know he cares, so that’s probably the first thing
because so many guys have talent, but the mindset is the differentiator, and I think in that
instance, it’s certainly something that I think plays its part.
Q. [WR] C.J. Williams said he knew the Jags were interested enough to go back and
watch every game from last season. What did you find about C.J. in your research on
him?
JAMES GLADSTONE: I did not know that nugget. I felt like I held that one close to the vest,
but nonetheless, I think he fits the bill for a lot of the things that I have long appreciated in
wide receiver play. With both the guys that we drafted at the position, they are extremely
tough, extremely good blockers. They are extremely good at attacking the football. So really
excited about both him and Josh [WR Josh Cameron] entering the fray.
Q. With Josh, 528-pound squat —
JAMES GLADSTONE: Man, that’s impressive.
Q. Have you seen that on film?
JAMES GLADSTONE: I have not seen that, but I have watched his football play, and I can
understand how he’s able to do that when he’s got five guys on his back and he’s still
standing. So that’s not all that surprising. But yeah, he is an impressive human being.
Q. A couple walk-ons late, college walk-ons. What does that tell you —
JAMES GLADSTONE: A couple walk-ons early. You’ve got to love it. I think that is a part to
me that says a lot. If you can start there and end in the conversation of being a potential
draft pick, it says a lot about what you can overcome, being able to — when your back is
against the wall, be able to find your path to success, and certainly something that we
think about when we’re prioritizing guys.
Q. How does Josh Cameron fit?
JAMES GLADSTONE: I think very clearly. He’s got a superpower that he offers in a real way,
and that’s catching the football. Obviously, his production over the course of his college
tenure speaks volumes, being one of, if not the most productive, pass catcher in college
history, depending on how you look at things. I think for how we operate, for how Trevor [QB
Trevor Lawrence] best operates, having a big target like that isn’t a bad thing, especially
when it comes to red zone play.
Q. You mentioned the theme was volume. Did you go in with that plan? Did you go in
with the plan that you wanted to get as many draft picks and maybe not overall
selection —
JAMES GLADSTONE: Yeah, that was a big piece to even my walk-through in the interview
process. A higher volume of draft capital was what we were seeking, knowing the more at
bats you have, the better probability you’ll have for successful selections, while at the
same time you can have a few more misses than you do hits. But nonetheless, it was cool
to lean into that as a part of this draft. I know with 10 more that lie in front of us in 2027 as it
stands, we’re going to have a healthy three-year run in terms of count.
Q. What’s your favorite or most memorable call from the past three days?
JAMES GLADSTONE: I don’t know if I can say that on air. There were definitely some
entertaining moments. You always appreciate those calls, knowing that they can be so
meaningful for the guys that are across the line. While there were a ton of emotions for
them, there were also a ton of emotions on our end. To see our coaching staff, our scouting
staff who have poured in a ton of time and energy into coming to ultimately a big decision,
it’s really just a moment where I find myself being grateful, a moment of gratitude to be
able to be the one to dial. But it’s certainly a meaningful moment, and the most
entertaining ones I’ll probably have to keep offline.
Q. Now that your second draft class is done, how much different was this process
compared to your first one last year?
JAMES GLADSTONE: You know, I think certainly efficient in comparison. Not being in a
position where you have to translate two different systems, two different languages, it just
allows lines of communication to be far more fluid. So, I think that was a really helpful
piece to our process and one that I have to imagine will only continue to get more refined
and better as we move forward.
Q. When did you form an interest in Zach [DE Zach Durfee]?
JAMES GLADSTONE: Gosh, I want to see three weeks ago was when I really poured in. That
was another one where our area scout had a ton of interest. Our undrafted college free
agent committee surfaced him to the top and got us really pouring in at a deeper level
across our over-the-top scouts, coordinator level, myself and Liam, and if I’m not
mistaken, he ended up being the player that was listed in the annual article of go ahead
and figure out who this guy is. [Senior Advisor to the General Manager] Brian Xanders
ended up knocking on my door after reading it and saying, you know what, I think he may be
somebody that is going to become more publicly aware here soon or may become of
interest to others if they’re able to figure it out as well.
But nonetheless, certainly excited to bring him into the organization knowing that he’s got
really a cool background and one that is not all that different than some of the others that
we drafted in overcoming the odds and earning their place. He was really, really effective in
rushing the passer and creating disruption this past season.
Q. How do you compare what you got out of this draft to what you wanted to get out of
it?
JAMES GLADSTONE: Oh, that’s a great question. So, I can say as a part of maybe the day
before kickoff on Thursday, we ended up putting players in slots across all 11 picks and
can, in fact, say that we were able to nail 10 of those 11, and we only made 10 selections.
That was a pretty fun outcome, knowing that we were able to map it as cleanly as we were.
I don’t think that had anything to do with skill but maybe a little more luck than that. But
that was a pretty exciting piece.
Q. When guys are transferring schools so much more now than five, 10 years ago,
does that make the scouting process for you guys, the investigation process any
harder or any more difficult than it used to be?
JAMES GLADSTONE: It makes it interesting. It makes it a little bit more of a chase, while at
the same time when guys are only in one place for a short period of time, you may not get a
full picture, so it’s only a glimpse typically, so you’d like for there to be a little bit more of a
long-term standing position for you to source intel from and not just someplace that they
may have stopped, not just called some version of a stay.
I think it helps when people are really intimate with the player that you’re listening to their
perspective on, and so that bouncing around can make it a little more challenging, while at
the same time maybe you get a few more different perspectives on the matter. I don’t think
it hurts, so to speak, but yeah, it definitely makes the chase a little bit more entertaining.
Q. Kind of mapping out the draft, have you ever done that before during your time in
LA, last season —
JAMES GLADSTONE: No, that was a fun exercise this year. I can say to a certain degree, I
would, but I wasn’t making the decisions in Los Angeles, so that was probably more on my
own or off to the side, whereas this one was obviously I had a little bit more control over
what direction we actually went.
I know that Jake does that on his own, [Senior Vice President of Football Analytics] Jake
Temme, and it’s fun to look over and cross-reference a larger list of players that he would
love to choose from and have that be a part of the conversation. But yeah, that was a
unique one for this cycle.
Q. Did you expect to be able to hit it like that?
JAMES GLADSTONE: No. No. So, that was fun. That was a blast. Yeah, Liam and I were just
laughing about it. That was an oddity, I think. I think that was an outlier. I wouldn’t
anticipate that being the case even moving forward.
Q. How would you evaluate your pass rush after three days of the draft?
JAMES GLADSTONE: That’s hard to say that it’s any different than where it was towards the
end of last season. I think the exciting thing from my vantage point is we got some really
good football players across that defensive front, and our scheme is prepped to tie not only
the rush plan but also the back-end coverage together in a way that’s going to make it really
impactful.
Q. Josh Cameron had the left ankle at the Combine and pro day…
JAMES GLADSTONE: Yeah, that could impact just how quickly he’s able to hit the ground
running. We’ll assess that a little more closely upon arrival, but that’s a fair question
because it could, in fact, delay his start to on-the-grass play. Everybody else is good to go.
SAFETY JALEN HUSKEY
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On what his draft party at Top Golf was like) “I was at Top Golf last night. It was good. I had
my closest friends and family there and just to be able to share the moment with them was
something that was really special to me. And I’m sure everybody could see the emotion
that went through me last night. That’s not something that is usually me. I’m more of a chill,
laid back guy but when you get that life changing phone call, it’s a different story.”
(On why he was able to transition from cornerback to safety seamlessly at Maryland) “I
think it came down to preparation. I have an amazing coaching staff at Maryland, and they
helped ease that transition very smoothly for me. And I put in a lot of work, which I will
continue to do when I’m in Jacksonville.”
(On the pride he takes in playing at Bowling Green before transferring to Maryland) “I take a
lot of pride in it. I have a hell of a story if you go and you do your research on me and what
I’ve been through in my life, and I carried a chip on my shoulder everywhere I went and I
plan on keeping it there.”
(On where he ranks age wise among his 12 siblings) “I’m the oldest boy and I’m the fifth
oldest kid.”
(On the location of the Top Golf) “Top Golf in Germantown, Maryland.”
(On if he plays golf) “No, I’m horrible and I was horrible when I was swinging yesterday but I
had to try to integrate some type of activity last night.”
(On potentially getting golf advice from K Cam Little and LS Ross Matiscik) “Sounds good. If
anybody out there wants to help me, I need that help, please.”
(On if he has a preference on where he wants to play) “No, there’s nowhere I prefer.
Wherever I can get on the field and wherever I can help the team win is all that matters to
me. I just want to win.”
(On if he played special teams at Maryland) “Yeah, I played punt, kickoff and a little bit of
kick return my junior year.”
(On if he is willing to play special teams in Jacksonville) “A hundred percent. Special teams
is an extremely important part of the game, and I plan to try to start on all four special
teams. I’m team first through and through, so whatever the team needs me to do, I’m going
to do it to the best of my ability.”
(On going the entire 2025 season without committing a penalty in coverage) “It’s all about
preparation, being a little slick with your hands and staying calm when the ball’s in the air. I
pride myself on when the ball is in the air that I believe the ball’s mine and that nobody else
should catch the ball unless it’s me.”
(On if it is a source of pride that he did not commit a penalty in 2025) “I didn’t even know
that to be honest with you but just being able to play clean football is really important and
it’s especially important in the NFL because those DPIs and the holding penalties are
game-changing penalties because they can take you all the way down the field. So
hopefully I’m able to continue that in the NFL.”
(On how proud he is of his 11 interceptions) “I would say it’s second. I would also say my
ability to be put anywhere and to be able to produce and play at a high level is something I
really pride myself on. If they want to kick me out to outside corner, I’m going to go out there
and I’m going to go compete. If they want to put me in the nickel, in the slot, that’s
something I’m comfortable doing. And if they want to put me in the box or at a high safety, I
feel like there’s nothing that I can’t do at a high level.”
(On if his physicality and ‘edge’ are important parts of his game) “A hundred percent. If you
don’t have that edge, I don’t know how you play football, man. You’ve got to be mean, nasty
and talk a little bit on the field. So, I play with a big chip on my shoulder and anytime I’m on
the field, it’s super serious with me and you’re going to get the best out of me every single
time.”
(On the inspiration that his sister is to him in his career) “Huge inspiration. I’m hoping that I
can connect with Jarrian [CB Jarrian Jones] so I can figure something out with that number
[22]. But just being able to have her with me on the field and wearing that 22 is something
that’s extremely important to me. My family is my rock, and it means a lot to them to see
me on the field wearing 22. And just being able to go through whatever with my chin up,
knowing that my family’s looking at me and they’re depending on me is something that I
really care about.”
(On what the play call was during his interception vs. Illinois) “Yeah, we were in a weak
pressure fire zone. And they were in a trey formation, so they had a nub tight end to one
side to the boundary and then they had three receivers to the field. We had the first receiver
go back to our third corner. I knew that if he went back, I could pass that back to the third
corner. Then there were only two remaining verticals. I only had to hang on the inside-most
vertical, and the quarterback was staring that way the whole time. So, I was able to make a
play on the ball.”
DEFENSIVE END WESLEY WILLIAMS
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On if he knew Jacksonville had interest in him) “Yeah, I did have a little bit of an inkling. I
met with them for a formal interview at the Combine and just more some slight
conversations. Obviously, every team’s draft process is different, but it’s funny, I joked
about ending up with the Jaguars and it happened, so it was awesome.”
(On the process and feeling seeing the phone call) “It’s just the craziest experience ever.
There’s nothing quite like the NFL draft so, just trying to be humble and wait my turn.
Whenever the call happens, it happens and it’s really not about when you get drafted, it’s
about where. So, I feel like I got drafted to a great organization. I’m really excited to work.”
(On his style of play and where it fits in an NFL defense) “I think there’s always a spot in a
defense for someone who’s going to be high effort, high motor, physical and that’s really
what I try to hang my hat on. I think you can’t make any plays if you’re not around the ball,
so that’s really the first thing I start with is just making sure that I’m around the ball to make
plays. Obviously, I have to develop a deeper bag as I enter this professional level.”
(On what he remembers about Jacksonville after playing in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl) “I
loved Jacksonville. I love that weather because it was January, so getting away from a little
bit of that cold, it was nice. The bowl game was great, but we didn’t win, so, that hurts
[laugh]. But it was a really good time and the city of Jacksonville showed us a great time.”
(On why he is good at blocking kicks) “Honestly, I would say simply because I care. A lot of
people take that as a play off, and it’s kind of just not how I was taught to play the game.
You’d be surprised how many extra plays you can find just by always being on.”
(On if it is more effort than technique) “I would say so. Effort, technique, and paying
attention in the meetings.”
(On blocking two kicks against Clemson in the 2024 season opener) “Yes sir. It was. Yeah, it
was a crazy experience. Stadium was packed. It was awesome.”
(On where his effort comes from) “I would just say, I kind of had to beg to play football in the
first place. My parents didn’t let me initially, so I’ve always seen it as a gift and an
opportunity more so than something that I came out the womb and had a football helmet
slapped on me. So, I think that, especially just the fleeting nature of the game, leads me to
just want to go all out because you never know when your last snap is going to be.”
(On if he has told his parents they should be glad they let him play football) “I had that
conversation long ago when I got college paid for [laugh].”
TIGHT END TANNER KOZIOL
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On if he had contact with the Jaguars through the draft process) “Yeah, met with them. I
met with the Tight Ends Coach over Zoom and it went great. Coach A [Tight Ends Coach
Rich Angulo] was awesome and that was really it. No visits or anything.”
(On how Jacksonville envisions using him in the offense) “Obviously, what I do in the red
zone and what I do in the pass game is very good. And for what I do, I can only get better at
it. And then I really respect Coach Angulo—and senior ball, I really wanted to put on film
that I could move people, that I want to be in the run game, that I’m very willing and I need
to be coached up some more and I’m going to continue to work on that. And that’s
something that he saw in me as well. He saw the potential that I have in the run game and
he trusts that he’s a coach that could coach me up to get it done and continue to get
better.”
(On his journey throughout college to the NFL) “So I was at Ball State for three years and
really I only got to Ball State because the one week that I played coach Neu’s son [former
Ball State Head Coach Mike Neu]. He had a bye week while he was the head coach at Ball
State and it was the one game that he was able to come see, and it was the game that I was
playing against his son and that was the game I got my offer to Ball State. And I was with
Coach Neu, my tight end coach and offensive coordinator who’s here today, Coach Elliot
[Ball State Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Jared Elliot]. And they saw a
very big role for me within the offense in terms of being a really”—right when I got there, they
put so much belief in me and that helped me a ton, just excel for my freshman year and
sophomore year to junior year. And then after Coach Neu had gotten fired after my junior
year, I was really confused. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I wanted to stay with Coach
Elliot absolutely, because he was calling plays and everything was going so well. And then I
made a quick decision, I landed at Wisconsin and realized that it wasn’t the best fit for my
senior year and I made the move to Houston and it ended up being everything I wanted and
more. And I learned so much about the game there and continued to elevate as a person
and a player through the people I met there.”
(On his reaction to multiple tight ends being taken in day two) “Yeah, it’s awesome to see
tight ends get the love. The position I think has been undervalued for a little bit and I think
it’s the past five, six years, it’s been going up and up in trends that you’re seeing in offenses.
How many tight ends, how much more they’re getting on the field and more bigger sets in
the run game. I think it’s really cool to see and I’m really excited where the position
continues to go.”
(On if he has always played tight end) “Yeah, I played quarterback and wide receiver in high
school and really my junior, senior year of high school, I knew that going into college I was
going to be put as a tight end and I always had planned on it going into college.”
(On how he got into playing football) “Yeah really, I had two cousins, two older cousins that
were playing football across the town, and it was just my parents were putting me in every
single sport, football, basketball, baseball, even swimming. I was doing it all. Just loved
playing sports and football was the one that I always waited for the fall for the most
excitement, and it never stopped.”
(On his favorite catch to make) “Yeah, obviously going up and getting it, but anything I can
do to help you, a part of the reason the play works is always my goal.”
(On if there was a moment where he realized he belonged at the Big 12 level) “I always had
that confidence, honestly. It grew in me as I got into college and through my freshman and
junior year, my tight end coach really made sure that he instilled a ton of confidence in me
and really the confidence that I have from him and the confidence I have in my faith allows
me to play real free. So, when I really got to the Big 12, I knew I’ve always been ready for it,
and it was really always a part of the plan. And when I got there, I would say being with the
coaches and doing the same process every day really helped me know this is where I
belong. These coaches and their belief in me also says that, and it just went on from there.”
(On what game he would pick from last season that best showcases his skills) “Yeah, LSU,
that last bowl game. I think everyone should play in bowl games. Playing in a bowl game”—
that was the most fun game of my life. I love football. I never want to stop playing it. And I
think that bowl game showcased a lot of that.”
(On what receiving the call was like) “Yeah, it was surreal. My whole family around me, all
my friends that I grew up playing football, baseball, basketball with all around me, my
coaches. It’s a final outcome of all the hard work that I’ve put in with all these people and
all the hard work that they’ve put into me to help me get to this point. It’s really just
awesome to feel it with them.”
(On what it’s like waiting to get the call) “It was, honestly, a little tough, but knowing that I’m
going to be at the right spot for the right reasons is the faith I have and I’m really excited to
see that come through.”
WIDE RECEIVER JOSH CAMERON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On what went through his head when the phone rang) “To be honest, my heart kind of
dropped for a second. I looked at my mom, like ‘Mom, the phone’s ringing.’ She’s like,
‘Answer it, boy.’ So yeah, I was definitely excited. Definitely happy. I’m definitely blessed to
be in this position. Like I said a little bit before, my whole journey from where I started to
where I’m going to go. It was definitely a surreal feeling. It’s definitely a dream come true
and something I’ve dreamt about ever since I first started playing football. And I’m excited
to, like I said, get to meet my new teammates, get to be in a whole new city and to
experience all the newness.”
(On what he is thinking when he receives punts) “Yeah, so I played running back kind of
early on before I switched to receiver. And so, whenever the ball is in the air, my thing is
shoot, get at least the first down. Then after that go score a touchdown. So that’s always my
mindset and it’s always for let the first guy tackle with you. So, I think having that dynamic
ability to be a receiver, punt returner and kind of helping all those units it’s something I can
definitely bring to the table.”
(On what he will bring as a player to the NFL) “Yeah, for me, you’re going to get a physical
tough receiver. Someone who likes to do the dirty work, someone who likes to do it all, and
someone who is really, I guess you can say, a unicorn. I’m not your stereotypical body type
receiver. But I think that works in my favor to where you can put and plug me into so many
different positions. And I’m just that guy who can really do it all type deal. I bring my special
team’s ability as well. And so I’m someone who can, like I said, do it all.”
(On a player he models his game after) “I would have to say [Rams WR] Puka Nacua. Kind of
watched him throughout the process, we were both in the Big 12, so kind of seeing his
journey from where he kind of started to where he is at now. And it’s both kind of similar
size. And so, he’s someone who I’ve been watching, someone who I’ve been tuned into.”
(On how excited he is to join a good group of receivers) “Yeah, it’s going to be super exciting
to get with those guys. I played against [WR/DB] Travis Hunter back in the Big 12 days, and
so getting to be teammates is really cool. He is a dynamic player. He is someone who
whenever he gets the ball in his hands is really special. And then same with [WR] Brian
Thomas [Jr.], that dude, he’s a freak athlete, someone who can make plays and I’m looking
to come in, do the same thing add to the depth of the room be that difference maker as
well.”
(On the significance of his 34 jersey number) “So, I’m hoping I can keep on wearing that in
the NFL, but we’ll see, whenever the time comes for that decision. But really going back to
number 34, really from eighth to ninth grade, that’s when I switched to receiver. And so, I
was still wearing 34 as a running back, and then I had the decision to change my number
again. I was like, shoot, I like to be a little different. I like to be my own person, so I’m going
to rock that number 34 receiver. So, I kept it all throughout high school. And then kind of
same thing, whenever I got to Baylor, had the decision to, I could have changed it, but I was
like, shoot, this is me. I’m still going to be unique. I’m still going to be me, and it’s going to
remind me of the journey from walk-on to where I’m now. So, it’s kind of that dual piece. It’s
kind of significant and it means everything to me, for sure.”
(On when he last wore a number different than 34) “I think seventh grade, I believe, or
something like that. Eighth or seventh grade.”
(On the previous number) “That was number five. So, I wore number five before.”
(On his 528 squat) “No, it’s not fake news. No, sir. That is very real. Coach Vic [Baylor
Director of Athletics Performance Vic Viloria] and them had us putting that weight on that
bar. I want to say.”
(On when he officially hit 528) “That was this past offseason and like two offseasons hit
528.”
(On if the squat is part of being a unicorn) “No doubt.”
(On if the squat will get him some credibility in the locker room) “Oh yeah, for sure. Yes, sir.”
(On what it was like to share the moment with his family and friends) “Oh, man, it means
everything. Everyone who’s in this room has played such a significant role in my life, has
made an impact on my life one way or another. And so, to share this moment with all them
that’s why I’m here today. They’ve impacted me in so many different ways from the off the
field to how I carry myself to who I am today. I used to be a little shy little kid who would
say, Hey, and my mom would be like, ‘Boy, go talk to some people.’ And so, getting out of my
shell and growing up to be who I am today, it’s a really cool feeling. I’m blessed to have all
these wonderful people in my life.”
WIDE RECEIVER C.J. WILLIAMS
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On when he realized the Jaguars were interested in him) “I’m excited to be here in
Jacksonville and to obviously fly there here soon, but I’m excited to be a part of the
organization and be a part of the city. But for me, in my process, it was kind of early on when
I figured out Jacksonville was interested. My agent, Kevin Connor, had come to me and told
me the GM, [James] Gladstone, had asked about me. And I had heard from previous
schools, obviously I was at Wisconsin, previous staff, places like Stanford, that they had
asked about me. So, it was kind of lingering in the back of my mind that Jacksonville was
interested. And I’m excited, the fact that they selected me, and even throughout the whole
process, I was excited for them to be interested in me.”
(On what he brings to the table) “A competitive football player, a complete guy, right place,
right time type of guy. I don’t know if the staff is ever going to have to worry about me being
in that playbook. Trevor’s [QB Trevor Lawrence] never going to have to worry, or any of the
quarterbacks for that matter, about me dropping balls consistently. I just want to be a
complete guy that competes and adds to the room in whatever way possible. Whether it’s
just first year playing special teams, whether it’s doing whatever, competing every single
day, and just bringing a competitive swagger is the way I like to view it. When I put the
helmet on, I’m a different guy than I think I am when I do interviews or you meet me in
person. So that’s what they’re probably going to see on a day in and day out basis.”
(On what the lead up to getting the phone call was) “It was stressful. I think that’s the best
word to use for it. I think anyone and everyone that was in my situation was feeling the
same kind of way. But for me, when you’re in it, you don’t really know how stressful it is until
you’re actually in it. And so, sitting here Day Two and Day Three and really Day One, just
trying to see what receivers are coming off the board, what direction a lot of teams I spoke
to are trying to go. Whether they’re going to get small guys, fast guys, big guys. It was a
stressful time, a lot of calculated decision making I think from my end as far as putting
down names and trying to figure out what’s the best situation for me. But overall, I wouldn’t
trade it for the world. The opportunity to play football at the next level, not a whole lot of
people get to do it. Especially at a place that was obviously just in the playoffs, a place that
has a great culture from everything I’ve heard and everything I’ve researched on them. So,
I’m excited. I’m grateful to be exactly where I am. I’m blessed and that’s really all I can say
beyond just the stress. It was completely worth it.”
(On if there is a receiver he tries to model his game after) “These past months, you might’ve
heard me say this, I kind of knew that Jacksonville was interested, so I watched their whole
slate of games from last year. That was kind of the luxury of having a guy that came from the
NFL as our head coach, we had all those games. And I just love how Jakobi [WR Jakobi
Meyers] and [WR] Parker Washington play the game of football. They come out there with a
physical tenacity. You could tell that they have intent when they’re blocking, especially
when they’re running routes. They’re consistent guys. So those are two guys I think
specifically on the Jaguars that I love. Obviously, everyone in the world loves BTJ [WR Brian
Thomas Jr.], but little things that I think Jakobi and Parker Washington do consistently,
those are my kind of guys. And then beyond that, I think JSN [Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-
Njigba) obviously had a great year. I think he plays with really good pad level and he’s a
route running guy. That’s what I kind of strive and want to be, and he plays consistently. And
then the last one I think, I’m going to give a shout out to a legend, but [former Cardinals WR]
Larry Fitzgerald. He was coached by my head coach on the Cardinals. He was his receiver
coach. So, he’s just the epitome of consistency, being great. You’ve got to be consistently
good to be great at one point in time and you need to achieve that. So, I aspire to be like
that.”
(On his journey through college) “Of course. Yeah, for me, I think this journey kind of subtly
slimmed down. The journey of going through the NFL Draft, a lot of ups and downs. Started
off as a top 100 recruit, committed to Notre Dame in high school for a long time, probably
two and a half years. Ended up de-committing right before signing day, committed to USC.
Went there, had a receiver coach that I committed to pass away. So, I ended up
transferring, went to Wisconsin and it just wasn’t always the best situation, I think
offensively for a lot of receivers. We have a lot of guys that ended up transferring and being
in the situation I’m in right now, getting drafted, hearing their name called. We’re all grateful
and we all keep in touch. And then finding my home, my true home at Stanford and a place
that I love being at, being coached by [Stanford Head Coach] Frank Reich and being
coached by [Stanford General Manager] Andrew Luck. It was the best cap to my journey. I
think it was the best end and it really worked out just from the way that obviously I was
around like-minded individuals in the locker room. I had a receiver room that was extremely
close, and then a receiver coach and a head coach and a offensive coordinator that
believed in me and trusted me. So, for me, ebbs and flows and ups and downs, but like I
said I think earlier, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world regardless of all of it. Obviously,
people have expectations. I had my own expectations of how this would work out. And it
doesn’t go how you think it will, but I’m grateful for it all and I’m happy to be a part of
Jacksonville.”
(On if he had familiarity with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli
due to playing at USC) “Oh, I did meet him when he was—he was around when I was
getting recruited in high school, maybe earlier on I want to say. I know the name, but I don’t
think I have a complete interaction with him.”
(On the ‘pro-type’ culture of Stanford and how that will help him transition to the NFL)
“Yeah, great question. It was completely and fully a pro-style offense, a pro-style system, a
culture and everything. The way that we treated things was you’ve got to be on your best
type of timing, I guess you could say. You’ve got to be on your best pro behavior every single
day. You’ve got to come into the facility ready to work. And I’m grateful that it was such a
serious—and although we enjoyed football all the time, we enjoyed being there, everyone
there enjoyed it, but it was serious. It was our job and especially with Stanford guys. We all
kind of committed to that and dove into that pretty well. And we had good results,
regardless of the overall record, we put the program in a better place than it was before.
And I think Coach Reich did a good job of doing that as well. And so, yeah, I think it’s going
to help me going into the future, being a part of a system and a style of coaching, a style of
just being managed by a GM. That was very pro-oriented, I would say.”
(On how his game against San Jose spring boarded his season) “If you ask anyone, and I
told a lot of coaches during this process of interviewing, things like that. I think that San
Jose game was one of my worst games, even though it kind of catapulted me from going”—
obviously not the best stats in the first three initial games, that’s the fourth game of the
year. And from that point on, I had pretty consistent games game in and game out. I
dropped two crucial balls on third downs that they trusted me on. And so, I’ll say that
wasn’t one of my best games, but as a team, we put it together. As a team, we won the
game and I came in clutch down the stretch for the team and that’s all that matters. But it
definitely did help, I think, put confidence in the team and made us realize how good we
could be as an offense because that’s a rival for us. So, it definitely catapulted me and put
me in a good position to finish out the year strong.”
DEFENSIVE END ZACH DURFEE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On the wait and how excited he was when he received the call) “Yeah, the wait was kind of
frustrating, honestly. I was getting kind of frustrated seeing a bunch of people that I felt like I
was better than, but then once the call hit man being around my family and seeing all the
emotions come through from everyone I knew and myself, that was just that was a moment
I’ll never forget.”
(On if a connection with Kalen DeBoer led him from Sioux Falls to Washington) “Yeah,
pretty much. That was pretty far away from me, and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do
at the time, but right away I was like, ‘Yeah, I don’t want to go to Washington. That’s across
the country. I don’t know anything about that.’ But then I was assured I could trust him due
to my head coach being best friends, good friends with Kalen DeBoer. I had a trust built
there, so I ended up deciding to take the visit, but then they did a great job with the visit, so
that ultimately led to me committing there. That relationship definitely helped bridge
myself to visiting there.”
(On where his football journey starts in his mind) “Honestly, once I got the call, my brain
just went to my parents and my brother and all my family around me and my girlfriend. All
the people that poured into me who have supported me through thick and thin. It was so
good to just be around family and know that I accomplished something I set out to do. I
don’t even know”—it was just a lot of family around me, and I just felt really emotional and
seeing my people around me being so happy for me, that just made me really emotional.
But my mind probably goes back to probably the days where I wasn’t even playing football,
and then I walked on. I thought, but who would’ve thought? It was just so special. It was
just an incredible moment.”
(On his communication with the Jaguars throughout the draft process) “Yeah, a lot of good
communications. It was pretty much just with the D-line coach [Matt Edwards]. I have a
hundred numbers saved on my phone throughout this process, getting called nonstop
throughout the last couple weeks. I don’t remember his name exactly, but your D-line
coach [Edwards], I remember had a Zoom with him and what a phenomenal man. I just had
a great connection with him as a man. He had a pretty similar journey to me, and we just
had a great conversation about just everything you could want kind as a player and as a
man, and it just felt really good. And then, yeah, again, that call and then getting to talk to
four to five people that picked me was just with my family around was just incredible. I’m
still emotional, it was just phenomenal.”
(On if he is excited to come to Florida) “I am fricking so hyped. I’m dedicated, I’m going to
do everything I can to win Jacksonville a Super Bowl, everything. I have never been this
excited.”
(On what Jaguars fans should expect from him on the field) “Yeah, I would just say I took a
weird journey, man. I didn’t play football my first year out of high school, and then I walked
onto a D-2 school, absolutely balled out. Then I had to sit out a year due to the transfer
rules. Then I had a year, I was balling out, got hurt, and then I had last year on my film. So
just know my best football’s ahead of me. I don’t like to be arrogant. I like to be a very
humble man, but in this process I’m a team captain. I am one of the best locker room
presences that you can get and I’m also a phenomenal football player and I’m just going to
keep getting better and better. All I want to do is win and be a good man and teammate to
those around me. I just want to win. So, for this opportunity to happen for me and my
family, this is just incredible. I’m really emotional about it, but I’m going to give everything I
have.”
(On how motivated he is knowing that Jacksonville wanted him and having to wait for his
name to be called) “Like I said, I like to be really humble, but in this process you kind of
have to be a little arrogant to put yourself out there to get picked and take the chance. But
Jacksonville taking that chance on me, I’m going to give them everything I have. I’m just so
thankful for this opportunity. I was a D-II walk-on at one point, and you could say I’m not
technically supposed to be here, but I believed in myself and seeing my family be that
happy, it’s not going to stop now. I’m going to prove everyone wrong that didn’t pick me
before. I wouldn’t trade this journey for the world. I am so incredibly happy that I’m a Jaguar
and I’m going to do whatever I can to bring a Super Bowl to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With
my journey, this is incredible for my family, not even for me. I’ll take whatever opportunity I
get to play football. Just for my family to see me get drafted and all the people that knew me
and poured into me, it’s just incredible. This is just God doing his will through me. This is a
phenomenal experience, but I’m going to give Jacksonville everything I have and I couldn’t
be more excited to be a part of the organization.”
(On how emotional he was with his family after getting drafted) “Yeah. Yeah. I was crying a
little bit. I’m not a crier. I didn’t even know that part of me could come out. But this is just…”
(On why he was ineligible to play in 2023 after transferring from Sioux Falls) “Yeah, I was
considered a 4-4-4 transfer at the time because I had been a normal student at North
Dakota State and then I walked onto Sioux Falls and then when I transferred to UW, it was a
4-4-4, which at the time needed a waiver, which we felt really good about getting. Every
compliance department I talked to during the transfer portal journey felt really good about
that. But then after I got to UW for a couple days, the NCAA changed the rules for pretty
much only one year to be really strict on that. So, that’s pretty much kind of why. I didn’t
really have much control over that.”
LINEBACKER PARKER HUGHES
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
(On getting the call that he was a Jaguar) “It was so unreal, man. I’m so blessed, so humble.
I’m ready to work. It was unreal feeling. I can’t even put it into words.”
(On if he knew that Jaguars were interested) “Yeah, absolutely. I’ve had great Zooms and
talks with coaches throughout this whole thing and everybody, so I kind of knew that they’re
on my radar.”
(On his game) “Yeah, I go by physical, tough, intelligent, those three things. I’m a relentless
player. I’m going to give you everything I’ve got every play. I’ve got that blue collar, chip on
my shoulder mentality. I was a walk-on in college starting out and now I’m here, so hard
work and keep going.”
(On his conversations with LBs Coach Tem Lukabu) “He really just said, I’ve got speed, I
run, I tackle, run fast obviously. He says I can fit anywhere in their scheme at the inside
backer position, so really just looking forward to working with him and working with the
Jags. I’m just excited man. I’m stoked and I’m ready to play.”
(On players he tries to emulate in the NFL) “Yeah, I think there’s a bunch of players that I
look up to and look at. A lot of NFL guys, a lot of guys in college. There’s a lot of good
players in college. [Lions LB] Malcolm Rodriguez is one definitely. We have similar skills and
speed, but yeah, I’d say that.”
(On how special it is to be a Burlsworth Trophy nominee twice when starting as a walk-on)
“Absolutely. It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve worked so hard, put in so much time and effort into
this. It didn’t go the way I wanted out of high school as far as recruiting, ended up walking
on and it’s such a blessing to just be able to be named under that award and have a chance
to win that award.”
(On why Middle Tennessee State was the best spot to walk-on) “I think it was close to
home. It was in Tennessee, I’m from Tennessee, so that was definitely one, but also the
coaches there, man. There’s just so much love and the respect that they had for me and the
way my whole recruiting process worked. Just a lot of love.”
(On when he thought that getting drafted was possible) “I think when you’re walking on,
you’re just trying to obviously stay in college, get a scholarship. So, I don’t know. I think I
always thought it was going to happen as a kid. Like I said, I think what happened in high
school as far as COVID hit me and recruiting didn’t happen, a little doubtful there. But man,
really, I think I’ve always had this dream as a kid and I always thought it could happen, so it
never really doubted myself that I couldn’t make it.”
(On if he had opportunities to transfer) “Yes, sir. Yeah, I think with the whole navigation of
NIL now and how that stuff works in college football, there’s definitely teams that kind of
hollered at me, but I wanted to stay true to MTSU, man. Go Blue Raiders.”
(On what staying with MTSU says about his character) “Yeah, I think it says a lot. Definitely
when you get some money thrown at you, but the relationships, I always go back to the
relationships that I built there. You just can’t put a price tag on some of that stuff. Yeah,
stuck it out.”
