2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cornel Jones, LB, Graceland University

• Name: Cornel Jones 
• Position: Hybrid LB 
• College: Purdue University/ Graceland University
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 220
• Twitter: dreambigg_
• Instagram: cj46_

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

What makes me the top prospect of the NFL 2024 Draft is my experience of the game of football. I am a 6’3 220 pound All American Linebacker for Graceland University, formerly played at Purdue University where I led the nation in Tackle For Lost during the 2018-2019 season. I believe I will be a commodity for any pro team that gives me the opportunity. 

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

I started playing football at the young age of 4 years old. 

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

Something all teams should know about me is that you are getting someone who will help the organization win at whatever cost. I am a versatile athlete, hardworking, and tenacious at the sound of the whistle. 

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

If I could donate to a cause it would be the boys and girls club organization. This is something that I grew up in as well as was able to see the significance in the success of allowing both genders boys and girls to be able to participate in extracurricular activities and preparedness for being faced with adversity. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I received so far through my journey was: It isn’t about how you start or when It’s about how you finish. Another great advice learned along the way doesn’t matter the adversity it is how you respond. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood Hero would have to be my Aunt. She took me and my sibling in allowing us not to be separated by the state. 

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

The most Underrated Team Members at my school would have to be Zay Atkins #71 and Gerald Monroe #2.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve would have to be not being told someone’s true intention. 

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

My collegiate journey would show my test to adversity. Graduating highschool I went straight off to Purdue University. There I led the nation in TFL my true sophomore season as well as playing the most collegiate snaps 2018-2019. I took the chance with the transfer portal attending FSU 2020 unfortunately I would be released from there after attending a spring semester and being denied immediate eligibility for the “Covid” Season. I continued pursuing my career at a division lower to receive immediate eligibility at UWF, unfortunately I would be in an accident the following spring. It was a difficult recovery through faith and the great athletic training staff of UWF, I was able to athletically clear Sep 2022, again unfortunately I was denied eligibility for attending too many full time semesters after having a season ending injury. Fortunately enough I was able to complete my fourth year of competition at Graceland University where I was able to be an ALL American recording 90+ tackles, 10TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF, 4 PBUs. I truly am blessed. 

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

My school is special to me because of the culture and the spirit of Graceland University. Loving community and close like family. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Smoothie Factory, that’s the best way to get many of the vitamins and nutrients needed with natural sugars. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack would have to be Haribo gummy bears. 

What is your degree in?

My degree is IDS, interdisciplinary studies

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

To all professional teams you’re getting a dedicated hard working man. A man with integrity and honor. As men we make mistakes but I promise you’re getting a steal with me. A great mentor who is dedicated to the community. PICK ME. 

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

My play compared to anyone in the NFL would have to be Derwin James. 

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

My favorite game to play at a FAIR or THEME PARK would have to be the gravity zero ride then the dunk tank. 

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

1. Lawrence Taylor- Lawrence because he is the best linebacker known to man. Also, he was inducted into the HALL OF FAME the year I was born so there’s a connection. I also used to wear the #56 in Optimist (Pop Warner)  at GWEN CHERRY. 
2. Ray Lewis- Field general being able to lead men into the game of football like a general commanding his army, much respect for the OG. 
3. Lebron James- He’s been playing the game of basketball at a 26 ppg average, which means it’s a lot of science and homework that he’s learned to keep his body In the best of best shapes competing against a different generation every five years. Would love to sit and pick his brain about what it takes for longevity.