Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Kerry Hartley, DB, Johnson C. Smith University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Kerry Hartley

What is your Height/Weight?

6’1 193

What is your position?

Free Safety

Where do you play college football?

Johnson C. Smith University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

11

How did you choose your school?

I made the decision to transfer to play with my brother Denzel Hartley

Where are you from?

New Orleans, LA

Who is your role model, and why?

My mother, she motivates me with her actions and her passion to grind to better the family. The way she has love for others and also able to overcome challenges is something to learn from.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I haven’t met with a scout yet, but I hear there are a few with their eyes on me.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes, I grew up playing baseball, basketball, and running track.

Did you play any other positions in football?

I still play Cornerback and I played Wide Receiver in High School.

At your position, what separates you from others

I’m called a ball hawk, I can play one sideline to the other. I have the speed, range, and able to make solid tackles.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I break down a wide receiver weakness and strengths. I study the down and distance to see what routes they would run. I break down the quarterback by studying his drops, get to knowing his favorite target. I also study to see if the Quarterback likes to look off the Safety to get them on one side of the field and throw to the other. I study the offense of line to determine if it’s a pass, run, or screen. Knowing the offense formations and the plays they run out of it always help me out.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

As a Free Safety, I would say WR Tyron Laughinghouse from Saint Augustine was a good player to get over top on.

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

Ed Reed, when describing him, your describing me.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

I would say my shoulder injury, to play my last season I knew I had to work hard, rehab, and pray to get cleared.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I would watch Sean Taylor Highlights.

What is your biggest strength?

My Ability to scan the field and react fast.

What is your biggest weakness?

Wrap up instead of going for the big hit, that’s a habit I continue to work on.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I am a player that would save a lot of heartache when the ball is in the air and I learn very fast. I’m confident of myself, hardworking, and an honorable player, I pick my teammates up when a play is not in our favor. I’m the last line of defense, so I will not let nothing behind me and whatever I have to do for the team I will.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

My favorite player growing up was Randy Moss. My favorite NFL team New Orleans Saints.

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

My Grandma Sarah, Jay Z, and Troy Polamalu.