- Name: Jonathan Ward
- Position: Long Snapper
- College: Hampton University
- Height: 5’10
- Weight: 235
- Twitter: jonathanward03
- Instagram: jonathanward03
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
One thing that makes me a top prospect at my position is my post-snap abilities. Not only can I deliver a clean, consistent ball, but running a pro-style punt formation and blocking scheme at Hampton University required me to refine my blocking technique and have great coverage down the field post-snap which can be seen through my film and 9 tackles on the season on 68 punts through 12 games.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
One thing NFL teams should know about me is not only my work ethic but determination and how when I set goals for myself I am going to put myself in the best situation to achieve these goals which can be seen through my college career starting as a walk-on and becoming a 1st Team All-American.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause it would be Feeding America and working to end world hunger. I believe no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Who was your role model?
My role models are both my parents. They have made so many sacrifices to be able to give me the opportunities I have today athletically and academically and it inspires me to do the same for my children.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Washington Commanders
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
I believe the most underrated teammate at my school is Earl Woods III. When he had his opportunities this past season he made the most of them, many times making plays that were highlights of the game, or kept us in competition during a game.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Complacency. It’s okay to enjoy success to a certain extent but becoming complacent can sometimes lead to unwarranted weaknesses.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
My favorite teacher ever is my high school senior English teacher Luke Durney. Everything I ever learned in that class could either be applied to real life scenarios and had a great life lesson as well.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
One of the hardest moments in my life I had to overcome was my pursuit in earning a scholarship at Hampton University. Coming out of high school I knew I had to work hard and produce results on the field to achieve this goal. I didn’t want to have my parents pay for a lot of my school so I set the goal of getting put on scholarship after my Sophomore year of college which I did after starting my first two seasons at Hampton.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Bojangles, it has always been my favorite spot since I was a kid.
What is your favorite snack food?
Kettle cooked potato chips.
What is your degree in?
I obtained my undergraduate degree in Journalism with an Area of Emphasis in Sports Management in 3 years and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) which I will complete in 1 year.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Nick Saban, Jackie Robinson, and Steve Williams. NIck Saban and Jackie Robinson because I think they are prominent sports figures that exemplified leadership in their respective ways. I would like to learn some of the things they emphasized in their careers and throughout life. Steve Williams, Tiger Woods caddy for 13 of his majors would be on the list because while talking to Tiger would be very cool as well, having the opportunity to talk to his “coach” and gain an understanding of his mindset going into every shot and preparing and managing his mindset to sustain success for that long in his career. This would be great not only because of my interest in coaching post-playing, but I also believe golf and specialists, particularly long snapping, are very similar in the sense that you get one opportunity and you have to have a “next-rep” mentality no matter what happens.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is my size. I’ve been able to combat it thus far in my career which I will continue to do.
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 nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com