2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kobe Cummings, DB, Missouri Western State University

• Name: Kobe Cummings
• Position: DB
• College: Missouri Western State University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 200 lbs
• Twitter: @cummings_kobe
• Instagram: @cummings_kobe

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

What sets me apart from other DB’s is that I’m an extension of the coach, I see things on the field and can analyze them quickly to make certain adjustments to put the team in the best position possible.

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

I’m actually very calm and collected when I’m on the field. There’s always going to be highs and lows, but staying level headed allows for mental clarity through those times.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

There’s been a lot of great moments throughout my football career, but my top moments would have to be starting my first game as a true freshman, my 80 yard pick six against Fort Hayes and my record tying 3 interceptions in a game vs Northeastern State.

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

If I could hangout with any player from the past or present, I would choose Ronnie Lott. The mix of his football IQ and physical presence on the field was felt no matter who the opposing team was. Man was a force to be reckon with.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

My favorite coverage would have to be Quarters coverage. The reason I love it so much is because it allows me to easily manipulate the opposing team, bait QB’s into throws they think they may have and play more loose.

What should you know about Kobe Cummings the person?

What you should know about me, Kobe Cummings, is that I’m a straight playmaker. I thrive under pressure and am never hesitant to step into that leadership role. Every team I’ve been on I’ve earned that title. My parents joke and always say I was born a natural leader and I can’t disagree.

How do you prepare for games?

At the beginning of the week I make sure that my diet is right. I’m eating the right things, doing recovery work, getting adequate sleep. Then as the week progresses I’m always watching film and taking notes on our film from the week before and the opposing teams film that we will be playing. It’s important to analyze both because teams will try to expose any weaknesses that they see in previous weeks, but it is also important that I pick up any tendencies that a offense may give from week to week. Then on game day I take about 10-15 min out of the day to mentally visualize the entire game and how it will play out, this helps me when game time comes to be calm and focused.

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

When it comes to success on the football field I’m a firm believer in that a players effort and attitude throughout the spring, summer and fall will lead them to as much success as they want. It’s all about how a player approaches whatever challenge is in front of them, you could be the most athletic person in the world but without giving great effort and showing up with great/coachable attitude you will struggle to find success in anything.

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

When it comes to challenges on and off the field I hold true to my faith and family. With these two attributes in life I truly believe anything is possible to overcome, even the most difficult situations.

What would a team get in a player like you?

If a team were to draft me they would be getting a player that gives every last drop of blood, sweat and tears in order to make sure the team is finding success. I’m the type of player to put the team before myself and expect the same thing from them in return. Teams that hold each other accountable always end up being successful.

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

This is a crazy story, for a little bit I was just gonna play baseball in college because I was gifted in that sport as well. Then my senior year of football came to an end in the state semi-finals and I was devastated. Not only was it because we lost, but because I realized that I was about to walk away from the greatest sport on earth. The mental and physical toughness that it takes to be a football player, let alone an elite football player, is second to none. The valuable lessons you learn and the bonds that you create are life long and will be used on a day to day basis. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without this sport. I really love playing the sport and couldn’t see myself doing anything else with the passion that it takes to play it.

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

If I had to choose 5 traits to put on a billboard to describe me I would put loyalty, determined, integrity, hard-working and discipline.