2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Craig Slocum Jr, DB, Troy University

• Name: Craig Slocum Jr
• Position: DB
• College: Troy University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 201 lbs
• Twitter: @Cslocum04
• Instagram: @_iam_c4

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

Just growing up being around the game of football, seeing my cousins play it and always watching it on TV with family I just knew it was something I wanted to do professionally.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to be able to play this game at the NFL level and continue to get better each and every day as a player on and off the field.

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

Budda Baker because just how he plays the game of football, you can tell he watches a lot of film and he is fearless the way he fit in the run I feel like I have some of his skills set when it come to fitting the run. I would also just pick his brain to get his view of the game from the safety position.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I first started my career at Troy as a walk on, so getting put on scholarship back in 2020 was big for me just hearing my moms voice when I told her I got put on scholarship was big for me. Secondly winning the Sun Belt championship with my brothers this past season just to see everything we overcame and just to finish the season as champions was special.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would have to say my mom just to see how she works hard everyday and does everything she can to try to make sure me and my little brother have the things we need in life to be successful. She is a very caring and hardworking mom.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I would have to say a nickel defensive scheme just being able to have 5 DB’s out there on the field nothing against the linebackers I love my LBs at Troy. It’s just cool to have 5 DB’s on the field at once to lock down the whole passing game especially with the defensive line we had this past year.

What should we know about Craig Slocum Jr the person?

I am a fierce competitor, a person who has a lot of determination and grit willing to do anything help his team be successful. I am also a caring person so I am willing to help people who doesn’t understand something right away. I am always doing the right thing. My coaches at Troy can vouch for everything I just said as well.

What stands out about your film the most?

On film you will see someone who doesn’t take a play off and is always getting to the ball and can make tackles in space and in the run fits. You will also see I can cover slots as well.

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

The way I handle challenges is controlling the the things I can control I have this tattoo on my arm it is the prayer of serenity it states God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. I always try to remember that when I face a challenge in my life because adversity is always going to come it just depends how you are going to overcome it and push through it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A accountable player who will always put the team first and a player who is always trying to find ways to get better and always looking to learn from others and help others get better to elevate their and my game.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The physical and the mental aspect of the game. Just being able to go out there and compete with your brother that you been putting in work with all off-season. There is no better feeling than knowing your brother playing alongside of you got your back the same way you have his. Playing football just brings a great brotherhood.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I would have to say Carlton Martial the number he put up throughout his career was crazy he should have way more national recognition but gets overlooked because of his size but soon enough everyone will see what we’ve been seeing at Troy throughout his whole career.