Draft Buzz: Catching up with USF cornerback K.J. Sails

The latest draft buzz on University of South Florida cornerback K.J. Sails has all been positives. For a good reason, too! He is a guy that can play just about anywhere on the back end of defense as well as help on special teams. Versatility is the key when talking about the Tampa native. At 5’11 180 lbs., Sails has great size and can play on an island. K.J. has quick hips as well, which will help him play the nickel position. I had the opportunity to get on the phone and have a great conversation with the former North Carolina Tar Heel. I asked him about the man away from football, How his versatility could help him at the next level, and What it is like coming back home to play?

But before I reached out to the rising star. I spoke with a scouting source of mine and asked him his take on Sails?

“For me, when you look at the kid’s film, you see a guy that you can move around. You get your value with him because he has a skillset you love. He doesn’t have the great stats that some fans look at, but you can’t get caught up on that. You have to watch the film and see what is happening. He is a guy you can have a play on an island outside. He can handle himself out there. He can kick inside and take away a slot receiver, or a tight end. He isn’t huge, but he can handle himself in the run game. He has a swagger about him that you can’t teach. He can play in traffic and gives offensive coordinators trouble Also, he can return punts and kickoffs. He has great value with how versatile he is. I like the kid, this is one of my favorite guys you brought for me to look at.”

Moving forward, K.J. spoke about who he is outside of football and How his versatility can help him in the NFL?

“First and foremost, I am a father and family man. I try to be a bright light for my son, King. I am a family man because they mean the world to me. I love being a father and growing with him. It has been a blessing having my family around and being able to be close to them. As far as my versatility on the field, I feel like you hear it all the time. The more you can do as a player, is better right? I think being able to play on the backend will add value to my game and to the team that I land on. God willing, I think my versatility will help me, big time. I can play inside or outside. I know I can learn the safety spot but will do whatever the coaches ask me to do. I like to return punts and kicks as well. Honestly, I will do my best at whatever I do.”

Sails has true athleticism! He has the speed to stick with fast receivers and also plays with a tenacity that will help in the run game. He has a nose for the ball and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. While his numbers won’t blow you away, his film may. You see a kid that can do it all. I asked him if he has felt any pressure playing back at home?

“Pressure? Nah, not really. I mean it’s, been a real blessing to come home and play in front of my people. I love Tampa. I love Florida in general, so being here has been amazing for me. I also loved playing for North Carolina. I made friendships that will last a lifetime, and the coaches were great leaders and great guys. I will always have a place in my heart for the guys, for my Tar heel family, but I needed to be here. Some things happened that made me feel like I needed to be at home. So as far a pressure, I do not have any. If anything, I feel pride in playing here.”

When you watch the film on K.J. Sails, it is simple to fall in love with his potential. He has the tools to be a real difference-maker at the highest level. With great footwork, quick twitch, and great eye discipline, Sails, could be a name we hear a lot of moving forward. What stood out the most about Sails was how humble and easy he is to speak with. His self-awareness and calm demeanor help make him a leader of men as well as on the football field. Watch the film, and you will see a kid who will be an NFL star. When you get to know him, you believe he can change the world.