2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: KJ Kinsler, DB, Alcorn State University

• Name: KJ Kinsler
• Position: DB
• College: Alcorn State University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 205 lbs
• Twitter: @AlmightyKins
• Instagram: @kj.kinsler

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up around Gainesville, FL and being a gator fan from a young age is what got me into football ’06 was the first year I started playing which is the same year the Florida Gators won a national championship and that was a big factor on me to play the game.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment of my football career would be winning a swac championship ’18, ’19 and my first collegiate interception.

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

I believe that my IQ separates me from other defensive backs, I see the game from a different perspective. The game comes to me and I think my football smarts are second to none.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I know when I go my team goes so on the field I try to play like my heads on fire. I’m kind of a laid back quiet guy but I’m all business when I put my helmet on it’s two completely different people in a sense.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Tyrann Mathieu, just to pick his brain, see what he was thinking when he was creating all those turnovers at LSU to try and add it to my game, as well as to see how he prepares week in and week out.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

Favorite coverage would probably be any variant of Cover 3, having the ability to spin down or being able to play that center field role depending on rotation is the most fun for me.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to Alcorn getting back to doing Alcorn things and competing for a SWAC Championship.

What should we know about KJ Kinsler the person?

KJ is a game freak and a super competitor when it comes to the game I hate losing.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

As a DB you have to have a short term memory so I take that into life as well, if something isn’t going to affect me in 5years I can’t and I don’t sit in bask in it because regardless of how I feel the world is going to keep spinning and the game clock is going to keep running.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would be getting a very intelligent, disciplined football player. With game changing ability that can play on the roof, in the box anywhere need be. Who can also have great production and impact on special teams.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

I think the keys to success on a football field is everyone doing there 1/11th if everybody does there job trusting your brother next to you and “packing his parachute” as well as trusting your coaches ability to put you in the right position and simply just executing each call you’ll be successful day in and day out.

If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it which 5 traits would be up there?

Smart, instinctual, fearless, determined, and resilient.