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2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cortlind Mallory, OLB, Trine University

Cortlind Mallory the standout outtside linebacker from Trine University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
Cortlind Mallory the standout outtside linebacker from Trine University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: Cortlind Mallory 
  • Position: OLB
  • College: Trine University 
  • Height: 6’3
  • Weight: 235
  • Twitter: almigghty_c
  • Instagram: almigghty.c

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

Some things that make me a top prospect are my explosiveness and being able to be technical and fundamentally sound in any scheme. I take a strong initiative to study the playbook and dive deep into the film to make sure I know everything about my opponent’s scheme from player personal, offensive schematics, and more! Also, I am someone that can take constructive criticism from a coach and that does not affect how I play, I will use the criticism as teaching points toward a step forward in my play this helps me learn and understand what I need to do.  Lastly, I have a huge drive to compete, this is a violent sport so taking advantage to use my talent to play a contact sport is something that is very important to me.

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

I would say I was first interested when I was 6 years old. My dad played D1 and was HS and College coach so growing I was always around football, and I enjoyed it, so I wanted to get better at it. Since I was young, I was always around older players and coaches so that helped me focus and listen to the information that allowed me to develop as a better player at my position.

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

NFL teams should know I’m a passionate and hardworking player. They would get a physical, smart, athletic, and a true team player doing what’s best for the team on and off the field. Lastly, the game of football made me, and I love it!

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to the Best Buddies foundation. These groups of individuals help spread uplifting and positivity in the world and have played a big role in my life. Donating and being a part of this foundation would give me comfort in knowing that I could potentially be a light in their life.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received was that there is no such thing as a bad day, something bad happened on that day what can you do to finish the day strong? Each day is a stepping stone to your dream so every day counts. No matter a good day or bad day dreams happen when you get better every day.

Who was your childhood hero?

My dad was my childhood hero when I was little. He was my first coach, so I was able to learn a lot about life and what it takes to succeed on the field. He has also taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic for success in life. I owe a lot of gratitude to my dad for helping me get where I am since he is the reason, I am who I am. 

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

The most underrated teammate I have at Trine is Jaylin Page (DB)(#3). He is probably one of the hardest-working teammates I have he brings a different energy to the field that I’ve never seen. He had very good technique along with being well coached he is definitely one of the most agile and powerful players on the team. Page is someone who plays for play and leaves it all on the field he is very sound in any scheme. Page inspires me to consistently play above my limit whether that is active in the weight room, play coverage, and more of the necessary things to be an essential player.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

One of my biggest pet peeves is when others aren’t accountable for practice or in-game mistakes. This leads to problems in a defense or offense that creates bad team chemistry. I believe that is an important part of the game to recognize and be accountable to help better yourself for the team.

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

One of the hardest moments in my life to overcome coming back to football 2 years ago. During this time, it was spring I was inactive in the portal and was not getting any opportunities from schools because of injury. I felt like the game had been taken away from me and I wanted nothing to do with it anymore. To overcome this, I was granted a call from Trine and went through many steps mentally and physically to ensure I would another chance to play football. I was able to develop strong relationships and create more opportunities for myself on and off the field since being at Trine.

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

With Trine being a Division 3 institution I think they do a good job of creating opportunities and building relationships with every one of the students there. This is important to me because taking advantage of opportunities and networking with others can help you be successful.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack is Fruit snacks.

What is the best part of football?

This is a major contact sport so to be able to go on the field and physical dominant someone across from you and not get in trouble. You can still do this while playing the sport you love with the closest of friends. 

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

My name is Cortlind Mallory and I am someone that is very passionate, has a strong drive to compete, and is reliable with everything I set my mind to with any opportunity on or off the field. 

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

If I had to compare myself to one player, I would say Robert Mathis.

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

Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders , Allen Iverson 

My top three choices would be these guys because I feel like they all take the game very seriously, took their game to the next level, and wanted nothing but the best for their team. With that being said, starting off I said Ray Lewis, I chose him because the way he played struck fear in others he was 10/10 the most violent on the field at all times. His career is full of inspiring moments along with heavy teach tape and I think it would be very beneficial to learn from him and see what I can do to change how I play. I would love to learn how his adversity allowed him to continue to play every day.

Secondly, I chose  Deion Sanders because he was seen as an electric player. Had an outstanding career as a player and even a coach he brought a different type of swag to the game of football. Also, he was a major competitor he loved going against the best of the best. This helped prove anyone can be taken down it doesn’t matter who you are it’s me versus you and I wanna win.  Deion, major injury almost took him away from football I went through that too talking to him about that could impact my approach to football. With him being head coach, I would ask what he looks for in his defensive players.

Lastly, I said Allen Iverson because he was one the best scoring guards to play. He was undersized and I believe that made him an elite player in the NBA. Allen Iverson really sticks out to me, but he didn’t let his physical appearance on the court cloud his ability to play. He made it to the high level just like his opponents and wanted to be the best and win at all costs. His career was painted as both good and bad but he knew he always had to stay ready so he wouldn’t have to get ready, this is a mindset I adapted into my playing style.

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