2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kijana Caldwell, DB, University of Findlay
- Name: Kijana Caldwell
- Position: DB
- College: University of Findlay
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Twitter: @thekijanashow
- Instagram: @thekijanashow
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
The moment I decided I wanted to be a football player dates back to 2007 watching Devin Hester return the opening kickoff back for a touchdown when the Chicago Bears played the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
My favorite moments from my football life so far are winning the GMAC conference title with my team in the 2021 season also being recognized as an AP All-American & Academic All-American in the 2022 season.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
As a football player I still have goals I’d like to achieve and those are getting invited to a professional training camp and making a professional roster. To achieve my other long team goals these goals are next on my list.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
If I could hang out with any football players past or present I would choose Ed Reed because he has a very competitive mindset and I’d love to learn more about his football journey and how he achieved his goals.
Which one of your family members inspires you you most and why?
The family member that inspires me the most is my father because all though he can be tough at times he only has his families best interest at heart, which I plan to carry into mine.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
My favorite defensive scheme is 100% Fire Zone Coverage, sending 5 in the pressure and playing 3 under/ 3 deep behind it. Its great for running disguises as well as manipulating run and pass.
What should we know about Kijana Caldwell the person?
What someone should know about me is that I’m an extroverted person who is very goal-oriented and possesses great leadership qualities. I’ve been put in leadership position all my life and have been able to use each situation as a learning opportunity to get where I am today.
What stands out about your film the most?
What stands out about my film is how I can read an offensive scheme and how I can anticipate certain concepts bases on personnel, formation, and receiver/back alignments.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Change is always happening in life on and off the field so I feel that I am accustomed to it. An example is that in my senior year of college football there was a head coaching change and early in the season the team faced adversity. As a captain needed to get myself and teammates back on board to complete the goals we had at the beginning of the season. We were able take this adversity head on and end the season on a great note.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A professional team would receive a player that will work hard on and off the field. One that puts in time to not only make myself but my teammates better on a consistent basis.
What do you love the most about the the of football?
The thing I love the most about the game of football is the scheming aspect of the game. There are a multitude of ways to run certain schemes which can manipulate an offense/defense and the team the makes the best adjustments puts themselves closer to a win. Many outside of the game have no idea the amount of time and knowledge needed to be great at football, which makes this game so amazing…it’s not for everyone.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
The most underrated player I’ve played with is Mike Jerrell an offensive tackle at the University of Findlay. He is a dominant and violent player who deserves his flowers! He can arguably be one of the best tackles in college football.
Hula Bowl Contributor and Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen