2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cole Coleman, DB, Elon University

• Name: Cole Coleman
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: Elon University
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 192
• Twitter: @teamcoleblooded
• Instagram: @teamcoleblooded

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Versatility, Speed, and Intelligence. I can play any position in the defensive backfield at a high level as well as any special teams unit. My game speed jumps off the screen on film in pursuit. I’m able to command the defense by having knowledge of schemes and concepts on both sides of the ball.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Since I was born while my dad was playing for the Tennessee Titans I was practically born with a football. My first official snaps in an organized league came at 5.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I’m the kind of player that makes a locker room better by just being me on a day to day. Also I run sub 4.5 and jump 40+ vert.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

US prison system reform.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

If your life sucks it’s because you suck. -Coach Dimarco

Who was your childhood hero?

J. Cole

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Antonio White. Hardest worker with no ego whatsoever and a great attitude day in and day out.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Dodging accountability. People should take responsibility for their own future and past. We don’t have to live with regrets but we should recognize that we have control of our own destinies in a lot of cases. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Missing 8 games my senior year of high school due to injury. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Great education and a very humbling place to be a football player. This place has facilitated my growth as a person and a player in ways that I know a big FBS football program couldn’t.

What is your favorite snack food?

Chocolate chip granola. Hungry, tired, happy, sad; valid for any situation.

What is the best part of football?

Having a constant purpose and seeing yourself grow overtime while also seeing that growth show up in different areas. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

Watch the film and figure out if you want to use me as a defensive weapon or game plan on how to stop me.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Tyrann Mathieu

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

1. Lebron; all the expectations in the world, and he still exceeded.
2. Malcolm X; Genius revolutionary mind
3. J. Cole; humble and genuine millionaire who has wisdom just from living his own life.