For Josiah Trotter, the NFL Scouting Combine represents both a familiar setting and a milestone reached sooner than expected.
Trotter grew up around professional football, watching his father, Jeremiah, navigate 12 seasons in the league and then seeing his older brother, Jeremiah Jr., enter the league two years ago.
Now, at age 20, the Missouri linebacker is experiencing the process himself — meeting with teams, breaking down film and positioning himself as a potential second- or third-round pick in April’s NFL Draft. He said the experience has been about appreciating the moment while learning how teams evaluate players.
“It’s been good,” Trotter said. “Just grateful to be around other guys that are talented, meeting with teams and enjoying the experience.”
That perspective has guided Trotter through a draft process that accelerated quickly after his lone season at Missouri. After transferring from West Virginia, he led the Tigers in tackles.
He emerged as one of the MU defense’s most consistent performers, ultimately deciding to forgo the remainder of his eligibility after weeks of discussion with his family.
“It was a big decision for me and my dad,” Trotter said. “We wanted to pray about it and really do our homework before making that decision.”
Football has always been a constant in Trotter’s life, but he said he doesn’t feel pressure due to his family connections. Trotter said he sees the path more as continuity than expectation.
“It’s just fun to carry that legacy and keep it going,” he said.
That outlook has carried into his combine interviews, where Trotter said he often leans on lessons passed down at home: patience, trust and readiness when opportunity arrives. His advice has remained consistent: dominate whatever role is assigned, then allow that role to grow.
Trotter’s decision to transfer to Mizzou was made with long-term development in mind. While in the transfer portal, he targeted programs that could prepare him for the NFL, particularly those competing in the SEC and Big Ten.
“You want to go somewhere that’s going to prepare you for NFL-style football,” Trotter said.
At Missouri, Trotter was asked to anchor the middle of the defense in one of the country’s most physical conferences. He said the SEC’s weekly grind sharpened his preparation, particularly when it came to recovery and film work, and forced him to mature quickly.
The transition, he added, offered a preview of what lies ahead at the professional level.
“Transferring to Missouri was almost like rolling the ball into the NFL,” Trotter said. “You’re the new guy. You’ve got to learn the playbook, build relationships and find ways to lead.”
Former Mizzou defensive tackle Chris McClellan said Trotter’s impact was evident almost immediately. By the second or third spring practice, McClellan said, it was clear Trotter played with a level of urgency that stood out.
“His instincts are amazing,” McClellan said. “He just pulls the trigger.
“I always say this about Trotter — the way he plays, it’s your body, his body, somebody. That just means someone’s going to get hit. He’s willing to make the plays, and his instincts are amazing. He makes it worth it sitting on those double teams. When I see No. 40 running past my face, I know it’s going to be a big tackle for loss.”
That downhill mentality, McClellan added, often showed up behind the line of scrimmage, where Trotter consistently put himself in position to make plays. Trotter said that aggressiveness is intentional, particularly as a blitzer.
“From a young age, I always wanted to be a pass rusher,” he said. “Whether it’s blitzing guards, centers or off the edge, I take pride in that part of my game.”
Trotter is among the youngest prospects in this year’s draft class, but he believes that youth works in his favor. He described himself as mature for his age, with significant upside still ahead as he continues to develop.
That upside has drawn steady interest from teams. Trotter said he has met formally with 18 organizations, including the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Ravens and Giants. One interview, in particular, stood out for its depth, as it centered around extended film study.
“With Denver, we watched a lot of film,” Trotter said. “Good plays, bad plays. I enjoy talking ball like that.”
While feedback from teams has been positive, Trotter said he’s trying not to dwell on projections.
“I’m hearing good things,” he said. “But I’m just trusting the process and letting the chips fall where they may.”
As the combine continues, Trotter said he’s focused on staying present, something he’s learned throughout his career.
“Everything happens when it’s supposed to,” he said. “Just be where your feet are.”
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