2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jonathan Duff, LS, Eastern Kentucky University

Get to know Jonathan Duff, a top long-snapper prospect from Eastern Kentucky University for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Name: Jonathan Duff

Position: Long Snapper

College: Eastern Kentucky University 

Height: 6’

Weight: 220 lbs

Twitter: jtduff27

Instagram: jtduff

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

What makes me a top prospect at my position in the 2025 NFL Draft is my experience and consistency. I started 47 consecutive games at EKU. I’ve seen every special situation and been in the big moments of tight games time and time again. Through all of that, I’ve snapped kicks to force overtime many times, snapped game winners, been iced by timeouts, snapped punts in 11-up situations at the end of games, and almost any other pressure situation you can think of. I’ve played at a high level throughout my career earning Phil Steele all-conference honors twice and worked my way from being a walk-on to being on full scholarship and starting in my second year. 

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

I’m loyal. I have been at EKU for all 5 of my college years despite the transfer portal era of college football today. I was fortunate enough to be offered a walk-on spot at EKU and then from there, earn a scholarship and start four years. However, there are always going to be hardships in a football career and many people believe in the “grass is greener” thought process. I gave EKU my word and through any ups and downs, I trusted the process and stayed with the school that gave me an opportunity. I’m so grateful for the decision to attend EKU and EKU has given me so many more opportunities and experiences than I could have imagined when I first committed there. I know when it comes to professional football, I will keep the same loyalty to my organization, teammates, coaches, and fans that I had at EKU.

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

This is a tough question, but I’d have to say cancer research and support. The research part is key because with modern medicine and technology so advanced we can really make even more strides in our treatments, and ultimately prevention. I’d also say support of families by giving them care packages and helping them out in whatever ways they need because a family member being diagnosed with cancer can be a financial burden and even just a time and energy burden. My mother had cancer when I was in elementary school, and thank God that she is a survivor, but it was hard to watch a loved one go through that. On top of that, she obviously couldn’t attend work every day like before and there was a lot to take care of in the house with me being the youngest of 7 kids. My Dad and my siblings stepped up in a big way but I’d love to support those who don’t have as strong of a support system or more complications in the process. 

Who was your role model? 

I have a few role models. My Dad has always been my role model in how to be a man and what it means to sacrifice for others, especially family. He’s also the one who first introduced me to sports and has shown me the way to finding my passion in football. My Mom has always been a role model for me in doing the right thing and in being tough. She showed me what rejoicing in every situation looks like and her toughness during her battle with cancer. My brother also has been a role model to me. He’s always just been that older brother who is always there to talk about anything and is the person you always aspire to be when you’re a kid. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Cincinnati Bengals

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Josh Carter without a doubt. He carried the load this year for the offense and had an incredible year. He was a huge part of our 5 game winning streak to get us into the playoffs and he scored game-winning touchdowns in 3 straight games. It doesn’t quite make sense that he hasn’t gotten the many many postseason accolades he deserves but he is an incredible player and leader. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When people tell everyone how hard they work when they really aren’t working hard enough. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I’ve had a lot of great teachers, but I have to shout out Mrs. Heidi Edwards. She was my freshman year of high school science teacher and my teacher for four years of the Energy Team in high school. She’s an incredible teacher but also has just always been there for me. She made it to a home game every year at EKU and I’m so grateful for her and her family’s support. 

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

I made a tackle on defense on the first play in my first scrimmage of my senior year of high school and broke my thumb/hand. Obviously, my right hand was very important to me since I am a long snapper and it was my dominant hand. I lost a lot of interest from colleges because I elected to go without surgery and play my entire senior season with it broken. The school I thought I’d be attending stopped talking to me completely when they found out. It was tough for me because there was a lot of uncertainty and fear for my dream of playing college football. However, EKU came along out of nowhere in the middle of my season and offered me a PWO spot. I took the offer and it was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. It was really hard seeing the uncertainty of my dreams waver, but EKU came through and I’m so grateful they did. 

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

Chipotle 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Doritos

What is your degree in? 

My bachelor’s degree is in general business and in May I will graduate with my MBA. 

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

Jesus Christ because He is my Lord and Savior. I would love to spend a dinner with the only perfect person to walk the Earth to learn from Him and to understand more. Pat Mcafee because he has been a force in my two dream professions: an NFL specialist and a talk show host (and on my favorite show, College Gameday). I would love to have dinner with him just to try to learn about both professions, how to excel in them, and just because he’s hilarious. Lastly, my Grandpa, Fred L. Duff Sr. He is my dad’s father and I know he meant a lot to my dad. Unfortunately, he passed away before I was born, so I’d love to get to meet him and get to talk to him. 

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is overanalyzing. I will always spend more time than needed on a school project just to make sure it’s perfect.

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]