NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chris Wilcox, CB, BYU

Chris Wilcox BYU
Chris Wilcox is a speedy lock-down corner for BYU. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
It was a bit of a culture shock coming to BYU because I’m from California. Everyone has been nice here and has helped me achieve my goals. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Exercise and Wellness. After football, I’ll likely pursue a career as a personal trainer.

How did you end up at BYU?
I had a few offers during the recruiting process. One of them was Southern Utah. The corner coach there ended up coaching at BYU and extended the offer to me.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My speed. I feel like I can match up with anyone. So, you can put me with the best receiver on the field.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a team leader, definitely a leader of my position group. I actually played safety before coming to BYU, and they eventually switched me to corner. Most of the time, I play outside corner. I see myself as a physical press corner that can play man coverage.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin. We played Wisconsin 2 years in a row, and I was able to tackle him a few times. He’s a big physical runner who has great size and speed. You definitely feel it when he hits you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2VenzxlqkT/?igshid=sgabcmfsws2y

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I have some great teammates. Tight End Matt Bushman is a great player that I’ve practiced against. He always produces on the field. He’s also a great team leader that makes sure that we’re doing the right thing.

Zayne Anderson is a hard worker on defense that plays alongside me. He’s very physical and I can always rely on him.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I had fractured my ankle halfway through the Boise State game in 2018 and ended up getting surgery in March of 2019. I thought I had healed up and was ready for the 2019 season, but after playing on it, it didn’t feel right. So, I ended up redshirting last year. It was a new experience seeing things from the sidelines. I still went to practice and sat through meetings and helped my team as best as I could. It was a new perspective that felt more like being a coach or trainer, and it was great when our team succeeded. Right now, I’m 100% healthy and ready to go this season. Get ready for a breakout year.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Coming to BYU on scholarship and being able to graduate are what I’m really proud of. As for my biggest achievement, that’s ahead of me. That’s what I’m striving for.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My first start against Utah was wild. There were guys that were injured and a few that actually got ejected. I was the low man on the depth chart, and I finally got to play. Utah decided to test me and targeted me on back to back plays. The first play went deep and I got a pass interference call. The second play, they tried the same thing, although that time the receiver got the penalty. That was a crazy course of events and my initiation of being a collegiate starter.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Track. I was a decent runner in high school. Some of my bests include 10.68 in the 100m, 21.86 in the 200m and 47.97 in the 400m.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
One of the guys that I watch a lot of film on is Jalen Ramsey. Not only is he one of the best in the league, but he and I are more or less the same kind of db. We have similar measurements. He makes big hits. He can tackle and has some speed.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any secret talents?
Sometimes I’ll play video games, but I also like to spend time on my computer making music.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My parents. They have supported me through this process. My dad has played a pivotal role as a trainer and coach. He used to be a decathlete for the US. Other than my family, what motivates me is being able to support my future family and having other friends and family look up to me and see what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button