2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cornel Jones, LB, Graceland
- Name: Cornel Jones
- Position: Linebacker
- College: Purdue University (2017-2019) Graceland 2023-2024
- Height: 6’2 4/8
- Weight: 220
- Twitter: dreambigg_
- Instagram: cj46_
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
I consider myself as a top prospect for the 2024 NFL draft due to my experience as a former Purdue Linebacker During Jeff Brohm era. I have played in only 22 games with 100 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. During my reign at Purdue (2018) I led the nation in TFL for ten weeks. Something that I have over other prospects is my knowledge of the game, route concepts, great instincts as well as my pursuit to the football is astounding.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I started playing football at the age of 4 for Gwen Cherry Bulls in Miami, Fl in the inner city.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
Something NFL teams should know about me is that I am a hard worker and I understand very well.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to Boys & Girls Club of America.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I received was from Coach Norvell, “It isn’t about the adversity that you will be faced with but how you RESPOND”.
Who was your childhood hero?
My childhood hero would have to be my Aunt, she adopted me and my eight other siblings.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Someone who I would considered as underrated in the Graceland Locker room would be Caden Ross.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is liars. They can be very untrustworthy.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Something that was hard for me to overcome but through time and pray I was able to was my recent car accident. After transferring from Purdue (2017-2019) I went on to Florida State University (January 2020- July 2020) there I was a stellar student athlete from completing volunteer work in the community to completing interviews every week about how I was able to be considered as a preferred walk on and how I bring great experience to the locker room, unfortunately that spring break COVID protocol was issued and my NCAA waiver (immediate eligibility) was denied. I chose to transfer down a level too The University of West Florida where after experiencing two semesters I was involved in a hydroplane accident. My recovery consisted of 10 months bed rest as well as a four additional months worth of physical therapy. Still pursuing my degree I didn’t take a semester off and was blessed to make a full recovery September 2022, unfortunately NCAA denied my second waiver submitted by UWF stating I was ineligible to compete my final season of eligibility due to being a full-time student for 10 semesters.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
I chose Graceland University because of the Coaching staff, I have been in contact with Coach Patrick Ross since my NCAA decision.
What is your favorite snack food?
My favorite snack food would have to be HARIBO gold gummiebears.
What is the best part of football?
The best part of football to me is the intensity.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?
Instinctive football player.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Darius Shaquille Leonard, Akeem Davis-Gaither.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Barrack Obama, Mike Epps, Ray Lewis.
- Obama because I would want to ask him of his experiences growing up and did, he feels like something was always different about himself that he could lead and people could listen.
- Mike Epps because I would enjoy a day of his jokes. He’s a natural comedian, doesn’t need a script.
- Ray Lewis because I would love for him to be a mentor of mine because I feel like we have similar experiences.
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