Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Rodney Nichols Jr., DB, Benedictine 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?

Rodney Nichols Jr.

Where do you play college football?

Benedictine University (IL)

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

3

How did you choose your school?

I choose Benedictine because I had a great relationship with one of the coaches here and he had recruited me the best when I was in junior college.

Where are you from?

Rock Hill, SC

Who is your role model, and why?

My uncle, because he is a work harder that away puts his family first. Everything he got he has worked hard for it.

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

I am a great tackler and have good footwork

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes basketball and track & field

Did you play any other positions in football?

WR/PR/KR

At your position, what separates you from others?

I have great footwork and my knowledge for the game help me make a lot more plays. I love coming up making tackles for loss and when the balls in the air I become a ball hawk. I can be that lock down nickel back as well.  

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

I look for how the receive comes off the line for run and pass. I like to look at how they break in and out of routes and the offense route combinations. Down and distance and they go to receive

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

In high school I faced Cordarrelle Patterson, so I would have to say he was the toughest

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

Tyrann Mathieu, because we are around the same height but never let that stop our game on the field. He is a player maker no matter where he is on the field.

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

Back in 2008 I lost my cousin to a car accident few days after New Year’s. This shocked me and it was tough to handle. To overcome it I had to look at the big picture known God never makes any mistakes, so I began to play for my cousin every time I stepped out on the football field.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Listen to Meek Mill “DC3” I never wear gloves in pre-game warm ups. Always thank God for the opportunity before I hit the field.

What is your biggest strength?

Hard worker, leader, passion for the game

What is your biggest weakness?

Some would say my height but one thing they never measure is my heart so that’s not a weakness in my eyes.

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

I would first thank you for the opportunity to be in this position. I am a great guy with high character; I will always be the first one to come in and the last to leave. I have always worked for everything I have in life so hard work is something I will bring every day. I know I can play in this league and help a team win, so all I ask is for one opportunity! 

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Favorite player- Charles Woodson

Favorite team- Cowboys

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

God, Ray Lewis, my cousin