2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jamal Cooney, WR, University at Albany

Learn about Jamal Cooney, a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Discover how his IQ, work ethic, and dedication set him apart.

Name: Jamal Cooney

Position: Wide Receiver, Kick Returner, Punt Returner

College: University at Albany

Height: 5’9

Weight: 160

Twitter: d1_mal

Instagram: Jamalcooney

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

My IQ and Work ethic. I understand my job and those around me job as well. No matter what adversity I run into, I’ll learn from it and have short term memory when it comes to moving forward and giving my best effort. I’m HONGRY, I will find ways that will compliment and help progress my game. I posit unwavering dedication and discipline trying to constantly improve, taking advantages of every opportunity. I take care of the small things and fundamentals, and understand that the big things will come.

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

I’m coachable! I embrace coaching and could adjust to any coaching style. I’ll always work towards mastering that new craft while being a student of the game.

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

I would donate to the poverty and health scarcity crisis. My father and I are passionate about tackling the issues of food & housing accessibility to the less fortunate.

Who was your role model?

Roger Harriott, Head coach of St.Thomas Aquinas. He was more than just a football coach, and kept me motivated throughout college, til this day actually.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Miami Dolphins

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Tyler Merwarth

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Dishonesty. Tell the truth no matter how much it hurt or may tarnish what’s at stake. The later you will thank you.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mrs.Necolettos from St.Thomas Aquinas. She’s the GOAT!

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

The hardest moment to overcome in my life was during my time at Dartmouth college. This was the lowest I’ve ever been mentally; Sports along with academics weren’t all going great. But going into my junior year I made the efforts to want more for myself. I got therapy, and began to attack life. I gave my best effort and everything I committed to and just embraced the present moment being where my feet were. That led to one of my best collegiate football seasons I’ve had, was the beginning of me being mentally inclined, and academia came easy for me because I’ve built a system. This moment in life gave me the tools, I needed to handle and maneuver adversity and setbacks. It gave me the courage, strength, and knowledge (also the will to learn) I still use currently.

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

Five Guys

What is your favorite snack food?

Cinnamon rolls

What is your degree in?

Computer science and Africana/African American studies

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

My mom, because I never met her before she passed away. She passed before I turned 1 years old.

Mike Brown, the bengals CEO & President. Dartmouth alum/connection there.

Denzel Washington, seems like a very knowledgeable and humble guy. Really feel like I could learn a lot there.

What is your biggest weakness?

I could be too trusting at times when it comes to people. For example I could overshare with somebody who may not be deserving of hearing the news, or I could simply put too much trust in one person even if they’ve shown they may not be worthy of that.

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]