Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Feature | After Hula Bowl, PJ Jules looks ahead to next step toward pro career
01/26/2024 | 8:39:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois safety PJ Jules took a big step forward on his professional football journey with a successful week at the Hula Bowl earlier this month, and now he's looking ahead toward Pro Day and the NFL Draft.
During the week of the Hula Bowl college all-star game, Jules met with 25 NFL teams in his hometown of Orlando, where he was able to practice and play in front of family and friends.
"It felt good being back home, it was great weather and a good atmosphere overall," Jules said. "It was a great opportunity. I enjoyed every moment of it, I didn't take a second for granted. I got to showcase what I can do."
The entirety of the Hula Bowl event included a banquet, golf and bowling tournaments, a fan-fest, interviews, practices and film study. The competition included some of the best players from throughout the country, but Jules felt well-prepared for the opportunity.
"At SIU, we play with and against all the best athletes in college football, so it really didn't feel like it was a difference in skill level," he explained.
Jules, who recorded four tackles in the game itself, played on the team coached by former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick.
"One thing I took away is that it's possible to do anything that that you set forth and it takes hard work and dedication to get to where you want to go," Jules said.
After accumulating 111 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, two sacks, and a forced fumble this past season, Jules was a Consensus All-American and a finalist for the Buchanan Award, which goes to the best defensive player in the FCS.
Jules is still honing his craft as he prepares for the next step of his journey toward joining Saluki alums MyCole Pruitt, Jeremy Chinn, Ryan Neal and Craig James in the NFL. Next up, he'll prep for the upcoming Pro Day in February, when he'll have an opportunity to showcase his athletic skills before NFL scouts. The annual NFL Draft takes place April 25-27
"Really just a lot of training and drill work while also keeping my defense and my DB (defensive back) skills," Jules said. "We're just working on my speed and drills, techniques. It's not that I lack any, just refining the small details within."
During the week of the Hula Bowl college all-star game, Jules met with 25 NFL teams in his hometown of Orlando, where he was able to practice and play in front of family and friends.
"It felt good being back home, it was great weather and a good atmosphere overall," Jules said. "It was a great opportunity. I enjoyed every moment of it, I didn't take a second for granted. I got to showcase what I can do."
The entirety of the Hula Bowl event included a banquet, golf and bowling tournaments, a fan-fest, interviews, practices and film study. The competition included some of the best players from throughout the country, but Jules felt well-prepared for the opportunity.
"At SIU, we play with and against all the best athletes in college football, so it really didn't feel like it was a difference in skill level," he explained.
Jules, who recorded four tackles in the game itself, played on the team coached by former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick.
"One thing I took away is that it's possible to do anything that that you set forth and it takes hard work and dedication to get to where you want to go," Jules said.
After accumulating 111 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, two sacks, and a forced fumble this past season, Jules was a Consensus All-American and a finalist for the Buchanan Award, which goes to the best defensive player in the FCS.
Jules is still honing his craft as he prepares for the next step of his journey toward joining Saluki alums MyCole Pruitt, Jeremy Chinn, Ryan Neal and Craig James in the NFL. Next up, he'll prep for the upcoming Pro Day in February, when he'll have an opportunity to showcase his athletic skills before NFL scouts. The annual NFL Draft takes place April 25-27
"Really just a lot of training and drill work while also keeping my defense and my DB (defensive back) skills," Jules said. "We're just working on my speed and drills, techniques. It's not that I lack any, just refining the small details within."
Players Mentioned
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