2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jon’Tavius Anderson, DB, Indiana State

Name: Jon’Tavius Anderson
Position: Defensive Back
College: Indiana State
Height: 6’1
Weight: 200
Twitter: @Legendaryjaa10
Instagram: @Legendaryjaa10

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft is the way I approach the game with hunger, humility, and the mindset of someone who’s earned every step so far. I know I’m not the loudest name out there, and honestly, that’s motivated me even more. I put the work in when no one’s watching, I study like crazy, and I show up every day ready to compete and get better. I can play anywhere in the defensive backfield, corner, nickel, or safety and I take pride in being someone coaches can rely on in any situation, including special teams. I love the physical side of the game, but I also take pride in the details: technique, communication, film study, and understanding what offenses are trying to do. What separates me is the chip on my shoulder and the consistency I bring. I don’t expect handouts; I expect to prove it. Give me an opportunity, and I’ll show why I belong at this level.

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m someone who’s always embraced the grind and stayed hungry, even when the spotlight wasn’t on me. I don’t need hype, I just need an opportunity. Every day, I show up ready to work, get better, and push the guys around me to be better too. I take pride in being coachable, versatile, and dependable, whether that’s in the defensive backfield or on special teams. I’ve never been handed anything in this game, and that’s exactly what fuels me. I’m going to compete, I’m going to prepare, and I’m going to make the most out of every chance I get. All I need is a shot, and I’ll handle the rest.

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

Cancer Research

Who was your role model?

Mom and Dad

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Tyree Rochelle

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Ms. Matos, 12 grade spanish teacher

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? I didn’t start playing football until I was 12, so I was behind from the jump. While other kids already had years of experience, I had to play catch-up fast. I took a lot of losses early on, not because I didn’t work hard, but because I was still learning and figuring things out. But every time I got knocked down, I came back a little better. Those early struggles didn’t discourage me, they built me. They taught me how to deal with adversity, stay patient, and keep grinding even when things don’t go your way. That mindset is still with me today, and it’s a big part of why I’m able to compete at a high level now.

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

Chipotle

What is your favorite snack food?

Sunflower Seeds

What is your degree in?

Liberal Studies

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

Tupac Shakur, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant

What is your biggest weakness?

I’m still in the process of building my maturity into the degree that I desire it to be.

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]