@NFLHeads2020 Interviews NFL Free Agent Defensive Back Corey Felton, Jr.
By: NFLHeads2020
NFLHeads interviewed Corey Felton, defensive back, who has been itching for a call from a professional team. Felton had a lot of wisdom to spread and showed that he has a lot to bring to a professional team. The interview results speak for themselves.
What to you is the most passionate part of football for you?
Felton said his biggest passion in football was playing with his cousins when he was young. His cousins, NFL stars Janoris Jenkins and Pernell McPhee, were a huge influence in his football life.
What do you think sets you apart from other players in the draft/free agent market?
Felton talked about his athleticism and versatility as qualities that set him apart. Felton has experience on offense, defense, AND special teams. Felton can play many positions, including playing return Specialist in high school. Although Felton predominantly plays as a defensive back, he did not start playing the position until college, which he said gave him an opportunity to show his speed. Felton added that playing WR made him a more effective defensive back because it helped him to read receiver routes and better analyze offenses.
Was there an NFL athlete you have looked up to in your career?
Felton looks up to Janoris Jenkins, especially given that he grew up with him and had the skills that Felton loved to watch. Felton also said that Darrell Green gives him confidence because Green is proof that size limitations do not determine that your career is over or cannot happen.
— Corey Felton Jr. (@JetRabbit21) January 29, 2021
Is there a teammate or coach that has made a lasting impact on your career?
Felton said his inspiration came when he first started playing football at age of 6, where he played running back. This is where he learned how to utilize his Small, but fast build, including Shake N’ Bake moves. Felton said his first coach, Trevor Wallace, was his inspiration in that time and that Wallace was a father figure in his life. He looked up to this coach every day of his life. Felton also talked about his older cousin Rick as an inspiration, Rick helped Felton stay in sports and out of trouble. Rick made sure he was always good and taught him that no one was gifted in sports like him.
If you have your choice of which NFL team you could play for who would it be?
Felton’s first choice was the Dolphins but he also mentioned the Ravens, 49ers, Packers, and Seahawks.
What specific role do you see yourself in on an NFL team?
Felton said he’s cool with being kept on special teams at first, and talked about his specialty in special teams being punt returning. Felton said that there is no need to rush him on to a secondary. Last year in March, Felton worked with some players before COVID and they helped teach him lots of stuff. Felton had a workout scheduled with the CFL’s BC Lions, which was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID. Felton ended by saying he wants a shot at the professional level, and is willing to keep putting in the work to get there.
What is the most important part of being a player to you?
Felton says that he values his speed and physicality, and also says that his versatility gives him a slight bit of advantage. Felton talked about how he can run with anyone on the field, and can match with any size receiver. Felton talked about how he can bench 225 lbs, reps of 15, and squat 365 lbs reps of 2.
What was the most impactful game you have ever played in?
Felton’s biggest game was in college playing against Kentucky Wesleyan. Felton lined up against NFL star Keelan Cole, and held him to just two receptions for about 40 yards. He talked about how size does not matter as much, and small defensive backs can still shut down good wide receivers.
What do you want your football legacy to be?
Felton wants to be known as an all around good football player both on and off the field. Felton wants everyone that plays with him to say he was a good football player, with a good character and a good attitude.
Anything else you want us to know?
Felton said that a message he would pass on to younger players would be that it doesn’t matter where you come from, whether it’s a small D2 school or a school like Alabama or LSU, as long as you grind and put in the hard work, scouts will recognize that and give you a great word. Felton also talked about the consistency of staying on one college team and working hard to play multiple roles on that team.
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