Former Huskies wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk spoke to the media at the NFL Combine on Friday.
Here’s everything Polk told the reporters in attendance.
On the opportunity to participate in Indianapolis:
All the hard work that we’ve all put in, you know, we’re here to achieve our dreams and go out here and compete together.
On something people might not know about Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr.:
He’s a great fisher, and he can golf. He’s a humble person so he might not say he’s a great golfer but he’s pretty good.
On meeting with NFL teams:
I’ve met with so many teams. It’s been truly a blessing, so I’m excited to see where this next thing goes.
On potentially playing for the 49ers with Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel:
It would be an honor. Those guys are explosive, they go out there and make plays and get to the playoffs. I’m excited to see where this next step goes.
On former Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb being hired by the Seahawks:
Ryan Grubb. Man, a scientist, as I call him. He gets out there, gets in that suite and in that booth, and it’s like he’s up there playing Madden. Everything that he’s getting, all the success he’s about to have down the road and has had up until this moment, he deserves it. He tried to be different from any other coach, shoutout to coach Grubb.
Polk then said he had not met with the Seahawks since the hire, but that Grubb had reached out.
On what separates him in this wide receiver class:
I’m different. That’s how I carry myself. Everybody always doing the same thing, but for me, I’m always trying to find ways that I can separate myself. I try to do that each and every day, crafting everyday, trying to be different. For example, before the Oregon game in the Pac-12 Championship – coach [JaMarcus Shephard] can vouch for me – I went out on the field and I’m catching JUGS and I’m trying to make sure I’m ready for when that moment comes. When the lights go off, I’m still out there catching JUGS. So you know, just small things like that, getting in early, trying to make sure that I’m dialed in on the script and ready to go.
On his reaction to Kalen DeBoer leaving for Alabama:
Coach DeBoer, he’s a legend. He’s a winner, that’s what he does, so I’m excited to see where this next step goes for him. I know he’s gonna do great things just like coach Grubb.
On being a “building junkie”:
It started with coach Junior Adams, coming to receiver school early in the morning at 6am. Kudos to him, having us come in there and grind. Also just love of the game. I see [the facilities] as my second home, we’re there all the time. I’ll walk around there sometimes with my shoes off and everybody be looking at me crazy like ‘Man, what you doing?’. It’s like yeah, this is my second home, that’s how I treat it. I sleep there sometimes, I take naps before class. Fall camp we’re up there all the time, I bring my blow-up mattress and my pillow and blankets. I might go in the receiver room, we have bags in there, so we always up there sleeping.
On the best play from his college career:
I think the best play from my college career would have to be Michigan State last year. Going across the middle on that deep safety, going up there and sacrificing my body to go make a play for the team. I think that play right there was a standard setting play for me and the year I was able to have this past year.
Ja'Lynn Polk is bonkers pic.twitter.com/tHwTHhCDrF
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) January 28, 2024
On playing in big games preparing him for the NFL:
Playing at Husky Stadium, every game is major. Being in those big moments, having a lot of guys that surround me that are big time players, competing in the Pac-12, it prepares you for these moments and that’s why I decided to come to the University of Washington, because it prepares you for those moments. It prepares to be a pro. You get in a locker room full of brothers and it allows you to be ready and be prepared for these moments.
On what went into the run during the 2023 season:
I call it a domino effect. Going into that next offseason, having younger guys developing, having people get along and creating those relationships outside of the football field. Building a bond that’s going to last a lifetime. I feel like it was important for us that we all build relationships together in order to us to go out there on the field and have to play as one and go 1-0. Play together, regardless of whatever it is. Go back in that film room and get it right, go out on the field and get that extra work in and take care of your body. Just all of the little things that made us be able to get through the season and be able to handle business like we did.