National Scouting Combine presents Jabea Tilong, DB from Nebraska Kearny

Name: Jabea Tilong

Position: Defensive Back

School: University of Nebraska Kearney

HT/WT: 195 lbs / 6’1

X: @JabeaTilong

Instagram: @Jabeasosmooth

Achievements: MIAA all academic 2023
 

How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like? 

Coming out of highschool, I originally attended the University of Northern Colorado for 3 years from 2019 to 2022. In the spring of 2022, I transferred and committed to the University of Nebraska Kearney which is where I actually played. I started playing football my senior year of high school in the middle of the season so I had little experience on the field. Luckily Northern Colorado believed in me enough to give me a preferred walk-on spot on the team which led to me leaving for Nebraska Kearney. Kearney was the best program for me after Northern Colorado because of the passionate, gritty, and winning football culture.

 

What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position?

What gives me an advantage over other athletes at my position is my professionalism, toughness, and ability to adapt in tough environments and situations. I have dealt with many coaching changes and played in multiple schemes which has helped me become as knowledgeable as I am on the field while also pursuing 2 degrees in college.

 

What does being a student of a game mean to you?

Being a student of the game to me means having a sense of appreciation and passion for aspects that come with playing this game. Having an understanding of how my position is played, defensive/offensive concepts, and also having an understanding of my opponent are all aspects of being a student of the game to me.

 

How does being a (defensive back) reflect itself in your personal life?

Within my own personal life style, I try to apply my best self and abilities towards all interactions and situations that I may face. Given my major in college, performing my best educationally within my financial classes held high importance which then carried on while I was pursuing my MBA. As a defensive back you are already at a disadvantage against the offense from not knowing what is coming next while also playing backwards. Only from preparing in the off season, working hard in practice and studying film is how I try to be  successful as a defensive back. Similar to other areas off the field.

 

How would you describe your work ethic?

I am more dedicated than I am motivated to be great. I consider my work ethic second to none, knowing that I still have a lot to learn, everyday I work towards improving my abilities by 1%. I also believe in the statement “hard work pays off”. With the strong want and desire that I have to play in the NFL, I truly am committed to putting in the work required to be a dominant DB in the NFL.

 

What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?

One of the most important things I learned from my coaching staff was that football is simpler than some make it seem. Over complicating the game only makes it harder on the field to execute and make plays. The higher the level of competition, the better of a play maker you must be on the field which happens through understanding of the game.

 

What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

After only playing 4 games in high school, walking on to a FCS Div 1 program, then transferring to a competitive  Div 2 and earning the opportunity to be a contributor on the field has been my biggest accomplishment. This is my biggest accomplishment because without everything I went through, I wouldn’t be able to pursue a professional career in football.

 

How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?

A former teammate and other role models of mine recommended me

 

Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?

The National Scouting Combine is a great opportunity for me to showcase my abilities and be seen by professional sports teams on a verified platform.

 

What do you hope to show people at the combine?

At the combine I aIm to show off my athleticism, technique, and professionalism that I plan to bring to the NFL. Accomplishing this would only prove that I am one of the most underrated DBs in the 2025 draft class that could have a huge impact for an organization.

 

What was your Major? 

I received my bachelors in finance and my masters in business administration

 

If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A positive impact I would make is improving children’s education and recreational activities in third-world countries. Being that my family comes from Cameroon, I have witnessed children be stripped of opportunities that I and others have daily. Providing education and opportunities to play sports or other activities could change the dynamic of a whole nation as the youth continues to grow.

 

What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

Something unique about me that people would find interesting is that I only played 4 games of highschool football. I worked extremely hard to catch up to my peers in college given my late start. Fortunately I was gifted with physical capabilities that not everyone has which allowed me to perform well on the field. I also have a big passion for entrepreneurship and business endeavors that I plan to capitalize on while playing and after football.

 

If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?

I was a basketball player before football so I would have to say the NBA. I am a huge basketball fan and growing up wanted to be in the NBA from watching players like LeBron, Iverson, Kobe, and more.

Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?

I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in multiple youth football camps that has allowed me to teach younger kids how to play the game of football and also work hard in life outside of football. While at Nebraska Kearney, as a team we also performed a lot of community service for local members of the community which helped increase team support and community involvement as well.

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