Draft Buzz: Catching up with Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley

Caleb Farley is built differently from your average NFL draft prospect. The draft buzz on the Virginia Tech cornerback is at an all-time high. The road traveled to get there wasn’t so easy. It is hard to be a great corner at the college level. Even if you have played the position your entire life, but imagine how hard it is for a guy that before stepping on campus, had never played defense in his life. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to sit with the rising star and ask him about this journey. Who is the man behind the face mask? Also, what he felt like he needs to work on to hear his name called on draft night? But before I sat with the North Carolina product, I asked a scouting source of mine his thoughts on the 2021 draft prospect?

“I honestly don’t know what impresses me more about Farley? The play on the field, or the fact that he was a quarterback in high school. I am not sure when he made the switch over to the defense, but you can’t tell. I honestly had no idea when I first looked at him. He does a lot that you like as a scout. He can press, has great eye discipline, and can play off to make a play that way. He helps in the run game. He never seems to lack confidence. He also has a swagger to him that you like, to get his teammates around him fired up. I think a player like him can get your team going. He can be a spark for guys with his athleticism. He’s fast and quick, and I like the way he diagnosis a play. I’m not sure if it is because he was a quarterback, but you rarely see him take the bait too often. I think he is a guy that will be a day one guy. I mean, you never know, and I wouldn’t bet, but you see the talent. You know people will talk about his lack of reps, but I think he has the skills to be a difference-maker.” 

The draft buzz on Caleb Farley is he is a talented prospect. Has the tools to be a guy you keep on an island and forget about him. He has great size and the speed to get him out of trouble. I had to ask him about the journey that took him from a QB to one of the best corners in college football? We also found out how it helps with his game?

“To be honest, before I landed here, I was a quarterback, didn’t play defense. The coach said I am playing corner, so I played corner. One thing you have to be in college football is coachable. I am that, and I pride myself on that. You have to be coachable to learn a new spot. I got lucky because my coaches are the best at what they do. They put me in a good spot and taught me a ton. I soaked up everything they taught me, and it worked out. I feel like being a quarterback before helped me with knowing what offenses are trying to do. You know you look at the tendencies of a quarterback, and you know what is going to happen before it does. I feel like it helped me get better at the corner position. It has been a blessing for me.” 

Moving forward, Caleb spoke of who he is outside of football? As well as the things he felt he needs to work on.

“As far as outside of football, I am a normal guy. I like to chill and stay to myself. You know football is such a big part of my life that I am constantly thinking about it. I am always trying to get better at everything. I am a family man too. I know without my family, I wouldn’t be here now. Family is the most important thing to me. I know that I am going to work my butt off for them, and I always will. As far as the things I need to work on, I want to work on everything. I want to be the best version of me in everything I do. You know many guys get to the league and get relaxed. I won’t ever be that guy. I can’t be, because too many people depend on me. I know I need to be a guy my team can lean on. A guy that my family can lean on. I know what is important to me as a player. As a man, I know what means the world to me, so I keep my grind for them. But I guess you know to go back to the question. I want to work on everything because I need more reps tackling, I need more reps covering, I need to work on everything! I will never get comfortable as a player, If I do I might as well quit.” 

While most of the draft buzz on Farley has been raving reviews, the one negative that comes up isn’t even a problem of his. Scouts mention his lack of reps at the corner position. While it isn’t his fault, it could be a speed bump for the young beast. I asked him how he felt about the narrative? Also, how he could assure scouts it isn’t a real issue?

“Man, people are going to think what they want too. Honestly I am just going to me. I am going to continue to work on my craft. As far as what they say about my lack of reps? I mean give me a shot. They can watch my tape, they see the film. They know I can play this game. I am a player that knows how to get his job done. I am a guy that can be coached. Whatever issues I have they can help me get even better. I can handle them saying this about me, but don’t say I can’t play. I am always going to work my heart out. I want to be better at everything I do. To answer your question on those things, I want to work on everything. Even things I am better at. I want more reps tackling, and covering. I want more work at everything. I will never be a guy that is relaxed once I make it. Because this is my job, and people depend on me. I know that I am built different, and I can be successful. But once they see me at the combine they will change their tune. I am going to go in there and kill it. I am going to do my best and come away knowing I can play this game. Watch me, watch how I make them change their minds. I know that God’s plan is my plan. But I am going to give it everything. That will never change about me.”

While Farley doesn’t lack confidence, it was his humble approach to our conversation that stood out to me. His football IQ will set him apart from other players in this draft. Add that to his explosive talent, and you have a guy that will be a star.