- Name: Jacob Auen
- Position: DL
- College: Drake University
- Height: 6′ 5″
- Weight: 290 lbs
- X: @AuenJacob
- Instagram: @jacob_auen60
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
Throughout high school, I really picked up a love for the game. I love being with the guys and getting to go out and hit people and compete every day. It’s what really draws me to football.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Winning our conference the past 2 years and going on the road and beating Eastern Washington which was a big upset win for us.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My dad, he’s just always pushing me to do better and inspiring me every day. He’s always at my games and always been one of my biggest supporters.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?
Really just being able to go out there and compete and hopefully getting a chance at 3 conference championships as a team and then hopefully being able to win an FCS playoff game as well.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
Chris Jones from the Chiefs, he’s a beast. I love the way he plays, and I try to model some of the things he does in the way I play.
What are your favorite things about playing football for Drake?
Just the guys on the team we’ve established a really good culture over the last three years, and i’m excited to build on that this season especially with a new staff coming in. I’ve really grown good connections with all of them, so I’m looking forward to getting a third straight conference championship as well and maybe even winning a FCS playoff game.
What should we know about Jacob Auen the person?
This year, I’m just really trying to go out there and be a big difference maker for my team and try to make an all-conference team and just make a big impact and winning mostly.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
I like the one that we run now, a 4-3 and we two gap and play A to B and B to A and when you stop the run on first down it allows you to set your pass rush up.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
So, a big challenge that I faced this offseason is I had two different foot surgeries. I’m fully back now but have an attacking everyday mindset and you know what you’re doing it for. I’m trying to have the best senior season I can and in order to do that it takes a lot of hard work, day in and day out both on and off the field and that’s kind of my motivation just to make this last year of college football the best I can.
What would a team get in a player like you?
You’re getting somebody who can fit into whatever role you need on the defensive line and I’m willing to lineup just about anywhere too. I can line up in a one to three or even go out and be a five if needed. I think for my size I’m pretty athletic and that gives the ability to be versatile on the line and play alot of positions and do a lot of different things that the team needs.
What stands out about your film the most?
My ability to rush the passer and being able to get off blocks and make plays and my relentless pursuit to the football.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Sean Allison, he’s a dude for us and he’s going to have a good upcoming season. He’s already on some preseason teams and he’s going to be the one anchoring us in the middle of our defense.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen