[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Still a little surprised that Ekiyor Jr went undrafted. He has to be one of the favorites of the UDFA class to make the team.

Below is his interview that was completed ahead of the Senior Bowl:

https://thedraftnetwork.com/senior-b...iyor-interview

The 2023 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Alabama offensive guard Emil Ekiyor Jr. plans on taking full advantage. Ekiyor Jr. recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.

Ekiyor Jr. also talked about what he’s striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, positional versatility, and more. Let’s get to know Emil Ekiyor Jr. a little better.


JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction like?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I was actually in coach Nick Saban’s office when I received my invite. I was paying attention to social media and saw some other guys had already gotten their Senior Bowl invite. I was starting to wonder if I was going to get invited at all (laughs). What’s going on?

Getting that invite during my meeting with coach Saban was very fulfilling. I called my dad right away. He was so excited for me.


JM: That sounds like an awesome moment. What was your motivation for accepting the Senior Bowl’s offer?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I think about the guys that came before me at Alabama. They showed me the way through this process. They went to the Senior Bowl and had a great experience. I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I set that goal for myself before my senior season. I wanted to receive an invite to the Senior Bowl. To accomplish that goal is very gratifying.


JM: We’re so happy for you. What are you looking to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I want to prove my versatility first and foremost. I’m capable of playing multiple positions. I can play both guard positions. I can play center as well. I’m excited to showcase my physicality and athleticism. I’m going to put all of those things on display. I hope teams like what they see.


JM: You played a lot of guard at Alabama, but you’ll be playing some center in Mobile too. You just talked about playing multiple positions.

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I played center during my senior season of high school. I played a little center throughout the early portion of my career at Alabama before I found my niche at guard. I definitely have some experience playing center and I’m excited to prove that at the Senior Bowl. I’m going to show everybody that I’m not a one-trick pony.


JM: You’re a versatile player. When we turn the tape on, we see an absolute mauler in the run game. You’re a massive, powerful blocker. How did you develop that aspect of your game?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: It’s something that’s always been a part of my game. I think back to high school. My goal has always been to finish people. I like physically imposing my will on my opponents. I tried to carry that same mentality through college.

For you to say that about my game, I take that as a compliment. I appreciate that you’ve put the tape on. I’m glad my tape can speak for itself in that aspect.


JM: I’ve enjoyed watching you on tape. You departed Alabama as a three-year starter. Coach Saban fosters an extremely competitive environment. What is it about your personality and skill set that allowed you to contribute at such a young age?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I think my willingness to work stood out. I’ve always been very dedicated to my craft. I had that worker’s mentality from the moment I stepped foot on campus. A lot of hard work and dedication went into that.

I earned the trust of our coaching staff. I feel like I was a dependable guy. I always did things the right way. I showed up on time and handled my business. The coaches trusted me from a young age. My hard work set me apart from some of the guys in my recruiting class.


JM: It sure did. What can you accomplish at the Senior Bowl that you can’t at other pre-draft events?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: It’s such a prestigious bowl game. I’m excited to take in the full experience. Everybody knows about the Senior Bowl. I’m really looking forward to participating. The track record speaks for itself. So many players that came through the Senior Bowl are having amazing NFL careers. I just want to follow in their footsteps.

The Senior Bowl is my first stop on my NFL draft journey. I’m taking this first step. I’m going to do well and compete with the best seniors in the nation.


JM: Are there any players in particular that you’re looking forward to competing with and against at the Senior Bowl?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I’m really excited to see all of my teammates down there. I know they’re going to have great NFL careers as well. I’m so happy we’re all getting a chance to play in a bowl game like the Senior Bowl.

I’m excited to measure myself up against the competition. I know we’re going to have the best seniors in the country in attendance. If you’re a senior and you got invited to the Senior Bowl, it’s because you’re a good football player. It’s going to be a great challenge for me. I’m always ready to play against the best of the best.


JM: We’re so excited for you. Is there a player in the NFL you’re looking forward to eventually swapping jerseys with?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: All of my former teammates at Alabama come to mind. I battled it out with those guys at practice. We went to war together. We built those off-field relationships as well. A lot of those guys are in the NFL now. I’m thinking of guys like Quinnen Williams and Christian Barmore. Offensive linemen like Landon Dickerson and Alex Leatherwood helped mentor me. I want to reach the same level as those guys. I’d love to do some jersey swaps with them.


JM: Those are some excellent choices. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl week look like for Emil Ekiyor Jr?

Emil Ekiyor Jr: I have to win a large majority of my reps first and foremost. I’m going to compete at a high level. I can’t wait to showcase my versatility. I can play all three positions across the interior. Hopefully, that will impress the scouts. I’m going to put my best foot forward.