Jesse Monteiro: As a high school senior I had a lot of interest from D1 schools. The only scholarship I had was to Bryant University, I was a high school captain and after an unproductive senior year at Brockton High and lack of communication with Bryant University they chose to go in a different direction. I then had to go the route of prep school to play another year of football. I attended Tabor Academy where after a very good season at prep school I then regained interest from several schools but didn’t have the SAT scores the more prestigious academic schools wanted in time. When I finally got my scores up they told me that there were no longer any scholarships available. After all that I was then offered a preferred walk on spot at Umass where I would redshirt my freshmen year. As redshirt freshmen I started at nickel for the first two games then after a pass interference call against Colorado I would lose my chance as the coaches wanted to play players on scholarship because they believed it was a better option. So from that point on that year I would only play special teams. My sophomore year I would play only special teams until the last three games of the year where I would get my first start against Eastern Michigan after players in front of me were either hurt or not eligible to play. In that three game span I finished top three in tackles and the last game against buffalo I had a career high 12 tackles. After that season I would earn my scholarship. My junior year I still wasn’t a starter until the fourth week of the season where I would get 11 tackles against Mississippi State and then start the rest of the season. I would finish second on the team in tackles that year and was recognized by Phil Steele as 2nd team all independent team. Then Finally my Senior Year I would start all 12 games, announced as a captain for two of the games, recognized for a second time by Phil Steele as 2nd team all independent and also give Umass its first win as a power 5 team against BYU and finish the season with the most wins for the program since moving up to FBS.
Joe Gaiter: Remind us of your college career stats? Proday Stats?
Career Stats
201 total tackles
13 TFL
8PD
1FR
1INT
3 SACKs
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like teams judge you too much off proday stats and not off your season?
Jesse Monteiro: I feel like teams judge me more being undersized and not having the pro-day numbers they would like. Rather than the increased production every year and the film for a position that I just started playing my second year of college.
Joe Gaiter: What is your football IQ?
Jesse Monteiro: I have a very high football IQ. I made almost every adjustment in the secondary the last two years. I had the intelligence and trust from the Coaches that they played me at both Safety spots, nickel and also lined up at linebacker while also playing special teams. Football IQ was so high that in my 5 years of being on the team I was able to learn 3 different defenses from 3 different defensive coordinators instead of growing comfortable in one scheme.
Joe Gaiter: What would your role be on any team that picks you up?
Jesse Monteiro: My Role on any team that picks me up will be where ever they need me. Whether its special teams, scout team, playing defense, wherever I can make an impact and help the team.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation at this point to keep trying to showcase your talent?
Jesse Monteiro: My motivation at this point is seeing so many players that I have played with get their shot at the next level. Also speaking to friends who have experienced playing at a high level tell me that I can compete at the highest level.
Joe Gaiter: How has your agent helped you in your journey?
Jesse Monteiro: Don’t have an agent. I’m open to one that can help me achieve my goals.
Joe Gaiter: How do you work through depression and frustration during this time?
Jesse Monteiro: During this time I just continue to work because I believe that everyone’s story is different and we all have our own path to get where we want to be.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training?
Jesse Monteiro: I currently live in Boston, Massachusetts and drive about 35-40 min to Rhodes Island where I work out at TDSC in Cumberland, RI with my trainer Tate Doehler.
Joe Gaiter: Why should any team give you a chance?
Jesse Monteiro: I believe that a team should give me a chance because I feel like I’m always improving and get better more and more each day. I am always looking for coaching to improve my craft. I also have a great understanding for the game and I believe I can help a team win games.
Joe Gaiter: How does your talent match up to other players that were drafted?
Jesse Monteiro: I feel like my talent matches up well with players that were drafted. Being an independent school we played some of the best teams in the nation from Sec schools to many other big conferences and I felt like I competed with them and played at a high level.
Joe Gaiter: What life lessons have you learned on your journey?
Jesse Monteiro: Football has been something that I can clear my head and get away from everything. It has opened doors and helped me meet people couldn’t imagine. It has helped build mental toughness and build bonds with some people that I will forever cherish.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words.
Jesse Monteiro: I would like to shout out my mom for everything she’s done for me and all the sacrifices she’s ever made. Love you mom!
Twitter : J_mont8
Jesse Monteiro, Undrafted Free Agent, Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: May 3rd, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
