Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: C.J. Jones, DB, University of Delaware

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?

C.J. Jones a.k.a Cadillac Jones

What is your Height/Weight?

6’0 190lbs

What is your position?

Cornerback

Where do you play college football?

Boston College, transferred to University of Delaware (2014)

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Received over 10 FBS offers with most being from the ACC (Boston College, NC St., Maryland, Duke, UNC)

How did you choose your school?

Academics was big to me for life after football, the player bond on the team, early playing time (played as a true freshman), and playing in a competitive conference (ACC)

Where are you from?

Wilmington, Delaware

Who is your role model, and why?

My Dad, because of his selflessness with giving back to the community and being very involved in the community, helping others to see the potential in themselves, being a very supportive father and family man, teaching me how to become a man, and the values of work ethic

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

Haven’t met with any scouts yet but have heard of having the talent and ability to play on the next level and having natural transition when coming out of breaks and back pedal.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played Basketball & Baseball up through High School and also ran track in high school too.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In High School I played QB and played Safety for the first time for University of Delaware this season

At your position, what separates you from others?

Physicality, not afraid to stick my head and there and make tackles, especially at the corner position. My long arms also gives me an advantage with getting my hands on receivers at the line of scrimmage and also my football IQ and overall athleticism.

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

Receiver alignments gives me a good indication at what routes to look for, also down and distance route tendencies. I also look for QB tendencies such as his coverage check and who he is trying to throw to in the route concepts.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

WR DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans (Clemson)

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

Brent Grimes, quick, instinctive and physical; also some Tyrann Mathieu in there with the ability to play different positions in the secondary

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

Dealing with my knee injury (ACL) my Sophomore year, I had never had a serious injury before and really did not know how I was going to handle it, but I knew that life was not over, being the competitor that I am, having the fight to obtain my goals, and mental toughness, with the support of my family and friends I was able to overcome my injury.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Hot Tub and Tiger Balm entire body, minus the private parts Lol

What is your biggest strength? Athleticism, Toughness, Football IQ, Leadership

What is your biggest weakness? Strength, wouldn’t say my weakness but is an area to improve on

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

My stats may not jump off the sheets due to early career injuries but the talent and ability is there, I am a hard worker who has overcome obstacles to get to point of speaking to with you. All that I need is an opportunity, not only are you investing into a good player on the field but also a leader off the field, one who has no off the field issues, gives back to his communities and is a role model for peers and younger children

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Deion Sanders (Favorite Defensive Player) & Terrell Owens (Favorite Offensive Player); Philadelphia Eagles

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

Malcom X, LeBron James, and Muhammad Ali