Get To Know: Jalil Clemons

Jalil Clemons has visions of a professional football career after his time ends at Memphis. Clemons, a sophomore, also has his sights set beyond that. A health studies major, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound outside linebacker wants to take what he's learning and open a gym and become a personal trainer.

He's already had some clients. He helps others on the team. He's worked with his younger cousin when Clemons was in high school. His most recent trainee?

"When I'm back home, I even help train my mother and suggest to her what to eat and do," Clemons said. "My mom wants to get in a little cardio, a good sweat. She likes to walk a lot. I told her just walking is not going to help you lose too much weight.

"I told her that you have to 'bust a sweat.' I got her outside and helped her do some squats, lunges, step-ups. She was ready for it, but she got tired. I got her good (laughing)."

In his studies, Clemons takes some nutrition courses, and he sees that helping him stay in the best shape possible for competition.

"Taking these classes helps me learn more about the body and how it works," said Clemons, who hails from Starkville, Mississippi. "It helps me now in practices and games. I'm taking a nutrition class so I know what to eat and put in my body – know how to treat my body for the long run.

"If your health isn't right, you're not going to make it long in a career. I know my health is very important."

Clemons had a minor health setback early last year when he suffered an injury in the season opener. He didn't get down. Instead, he buckled down and did what it took to get back on the field.

"Many don't know this, but I got hurt the first game of the season last year," said Clemons. "I hurt my knee, but I ended up playing the rest of the year. That was an experience.

"I love the grind – all the comeback, all the treatment. During the season, it was kind of hard waking up early in the morning, going to treatment, being in the facility before all my teammates and trying to get ready for the game."

Clemons, though, did it and rose to the occasion for the biggest stage the Tigers played on in the regular season – against SMU before a sold-out Liberty Bowl and a national television audience. Clemons recorded the first sack of his career and finished the game with two sacks.

"I love the big games," Clemons said. "I love to make big-time plays. I feel when it's time for a play to be made, I always feel I have to make it.

"When I got the first sack, I was like, 'yes!' It felt good. When I sacked him and the crowd roared, I loved that sound, and I'm ready to hear it again."

Let's learn more about Clemons:

I started playing football when …I was six and never missed a year. When I played little league football, I was a linebacker. I like to hit. Linebackers run in my family.

When I'm not at practice, I …Like to chill and watch some film. Maybe play a video game. But I've stopped playing games, and I watch film more now.

#1 thing on my bucket list is …To move my family out of its situation and set them up for success in the future

If I could invite three persons to dinner, they would be …1) my mother; 2) Khalil Mack; 3) my brother/sister

A hashtag the best describes me is …#ShinemanJC

If I had a super power, it would be …To fly

The thing I like best about the Memphis campus is …It feels like home.

My Favorite Things
Emoji … Cool (with glasses) 😎
Vacation … Dubai 🛫
Ice cream … Vanilla 🍦
Midnight snack … Rice Krispy treats
TV show … Martin
Movie … My All-American
Holiday … Christmas 🎄

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