2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jakobie Keeney-James, WR, UMASS

Learn why Jakobie Keeney-James is a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His skill set as a wide receiver and ability to play special teams.

Name: Jakobie Keeney-James

Position: Wide Receiver

College: First at EWU then grad transfer to UMASS

Height: 6’1 

Weight: 200

Twitter: JakobieKJames

Instagram: jkj.x.11

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect in this draft is my ability to do it all. You need me to go win a jump ball or win on a route down the field, I’m your guy. I also have the ability to make defenders miss and move the chains consistently. I also play special teams, if you want me to run down on punt or even be a returner I have experience that can translate. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing teams should know about me is that I put everything I have into something once I start it. Whether that’s football, my relationships, or being a parent. Being a parent has taught me many things throughout my life, so living my life the right way isn’t just about me. I take pride in being a father, my lord and savior has blessed me with two beautiful kids and I do everything I can to be the man they can always follow and be proud of. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I donate to one cause it would be for poor families who are need in need. I would like to provide for clothes, food, and even aid in hospitality. I want to able to give families that maybe didn’t have the same opportunities as some people, sometimes they just need an helping hand to get them back on track. 

Who was your role model?

It would be tough for me to say I’ve had one remodel in my life, I’ve had many people help me throughout my journey to get where I’m at. I wouldn’t say I had one but the main ones were my father, and my grandfather. They are both retired military, and become teachers. They have had a major impact with their military careers with my grandpa being Vietnam, and my dad receiving a bronze star in his deployment in Afghanistan. I’ve been blessed to have them in my lives to help me become the man I am today. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I’ll be a fan of whatever team picks me to apart of their organization, but growing up I was always a fan of Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate on my team is Te’Rai Powell. He’s the guy who sets the tone of the defense and sets the tone for the team.  

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest peeve, is when people don’t wash their hands. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My junior year I had a chemistry teacher Mr. Wagner. I struggled with science classes throughout high school but this class was my favorite because he was able show me my potential not only athletically but also in the classroom. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I’d say the most adversity that I’ve faced was being a young parent while getting a college degree and being a college football player. It takes a village to raise a family, and the people in my village have jumped through hoops to allow me to chase my dreams. Playing football is bigger than me, it’s about everyone who made sacrifices to help me get to where I want to be.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

If I could have any food franchise in my house I’m definitely going to pick chipotle. They got all different types of combinations of meals that all taste good. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is pistachios, I could just slay down and eat pistachios and watch movies all day. 

What is your degree in?

My bachelors degree is in Kinesiology and Africana studies, my graduate degree is in MBA digital marketing.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any 3 people I’d choose Chadwick Boseman, Jeff Besos, and Denzel Washington. 

What is your biggest weakness?

I think my biggest weakness of my game is that I didn’t have the same opportunities earlier in my career as I’ve had this year. People will look at what I’ve been able to accomplish this year and be curious on why I wasn’t as successful prior. Its simple just opportunities, all I need is the opportunity to prove you wrong and I’ll get it done. 

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at [email protected]