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2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: CJ Siegel, CB, University of North Dakota

CJ Siegel, CB, University of North Dakota
CJ Siegel the shut down cornerback from the University of North Dakota recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: CJ Siegel
  • Position: CB
  • College: University of North Dakota
  • Height: 5’11
  • Weight: 185
  • Twitter: cjsiegel_
  • Instagram: cjsiegel_

What makes you a top prospect in your position at the 2024 NFL Draft?

I believe what makes me a top cornerback prospect is my all-around athleticism. At the snap of the ball there are not many guys who can out run, or out jump me. I have fluid hips that allow me to be closer to the receiver on plays that other corners have to give space. Over the past four years I have shown that I can play press or off coverage. 

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

I was introduced to Football at a very young age. Growing up my dad was the coach for my BGC tackle Football team. I fell in love with the sport then, and continue to love playing today. 

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

I am a hard worker who is always looking at ways to get better. I never have been one to back down from a challenge. I am very coachable and take pride in making sure to correct things that need to be worked on. I am a guy who takes his time on the field and in the weight room seriously. There’s nothing I love more than competing with/against other players. 

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

My brother Antonio has autism and I have grown up taking care of him. Learning first hand about how autism works and the challenges people with autism face makes me want to do more for them. I would donate to Autism awareness charities and I also enjoy learning more about these individuals. Their lives can be difficult and to bring light to their struggles is what matters the most to me. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I was ever given was from my dad. At a young age he told me, “put your head down and focus on ways to get better. Always remember to believe in yourself.” I learned that you can overcome anything and be successful if you focus and work hard. That is how I live my life and I am thankful for the people around me that have been a part of my journey thus far.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood heroes are my mom and dad. They have always loved and supported me through anything that I do. They are two individuals who model what it means to be a great person. I have learned so much from both of them, and I would not be in the position I am in today if it weren’t for the sacrifices they made.

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

There are so many people I could mention but to keep it short an underrated player in my locker room is Bo Belquist. For some reason his name isn’t talked about as much, but every time I watch him from the sideline he is making something happen. It has gotten to the point where I see him one on one and I already know he’s going to win. Look out for him this year. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people chew or talk with food in their mouth. I would say another pet peeve of mine is when people choose to slurp their drinks loudly. 

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

I think the hardest moment in my life to overcome was freshman year of college. Cornerback was a new position for me and wasn’t working out for me.  I already knew what I brought on the offensive side of the ball. It took a lot of reps at practice for me to be able to make the switch. It helped knowing everyone within the team believed in me. My redshirt freshman year was a great year for me and I showed that I can play at this level. 

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

What makes my school special is the people that are here. Everyone here is friendly and that includes students, coaches, teaching staff, and the entire community. The Grand Forks community shows great support towards UND Athletics and makes my time on the field more memorable. I am big on respect and I have never felt any sign of disrespect in any situation while being at UND. 

What is the best part of football?

The best part about Football is being around your teammates. As teammates come and go you tend to appreciate your times in the locker room with them even more. The early morning runs, lifts, meetings, and practices we all do together. During the season we are around each other everyday. Creating these friendships with my teammates is something that I will be able to hold onto long after I am done playing Football.

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

I am a person/player who is very competitive that wants to learn as much as I can to be at my best.

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

Marcus Peters

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

Lebron James, Chadwick Boseman, and Aaliyah Haughton 

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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