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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gene Coleman II, WR, University of Delaware

Gene Coleman II Delaware 2022 NFL Draft
University of Delaware wide receiver Gene Coleman II recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Gene Coleman II
  • Position: WR
  • College: University of Delaware
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 190 lbs.
  • Twitter: @Cole5imba

1. What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’ve wanted to be a football player since I started playing flag at 6 years old. I played a bunch of different sports growing up & even through high school but football was always at the top for me. I’ve loved playing for as long as I can remember.

2. What are your favorite things about playing football for Delaware?

My favorite thing about playing for Delaware is the pride that people take in this program. Not just the players and coaches, but the fans. The tradition here has always been excellence and this season we felt that more than ever.

3. What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

My mindset on the football team has always been do whatever necessary for as long as I need to do it to help my team win. I do believe when I am at my best my team and the people around me amplify their game. I have always seen myself as a spark.

4. What sets you apart from other wide receivers?

What sets me apart from other receivers is my energy on every play my ability to make a play out of nothing, and my sure hands. I run my routes with the same effort and compassion that I block with. Also my open field ability I don’t believe can be matched by any other receiver. I believe there aren’t many players who can catch an RPO bubble and make it into a big gain the way I do as well. Yards after the catch is promised. This season I was targeted around 50 times and had 44 catches with 1 drop.

5.What is a moment in your football career that improved you as a football player?

I don’t think there has ever been a moment I was not improving as a football player. I am constantly finding little things that I wanna work out to make myself better, so improvement is an every day thing for me.

6. What are your biggest traits on the football field?

I think my biggest traits are speed, agility, and knowledge. I am good at manipulating coverages and dbs, whether it be with their leverage, playing style, or knowing the coverage and the assignment for the defensive backfield in that specific coverage. Also using my speed and agility for route running as well as after the catch.

7. If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang with any football player it would be Steve Smith. I have always saw a lot of myself in his playing style since I was in high school and started playing wide receiver. I think I match up with him as far as size, speed, strength, and compassion. I also like to believe I have his level of confidence on the field as well.

8. What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

I think the keys to success on a football field is great preparation physically, mentally and emotionally. There are great athletes at every level but knowledge of the game gives you the opportunity to play 100% without overthinking what you have to do. It plays a big role in your confidence on the field and that carries over to your play.

9. What is your favorite workout?

My favorite work out as far as weight room is squat and power clean. I’m a 500+ lb squatter and a 300+ lb hang cleaner. On the field my favorite thing to do is simply just run routes. Obviously I like to do different cutting drills and things to help me get in and out of my breaks faster, but nothing beats just simply going out and running a route full capacity to me.

10. What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team would get a versatile guy who’s gonna do whatever necessary to win. I have no problem playing inside and outside, I have my whole career. Also getting a guy who’s a playmaker. I am always able to find a way to make a play, even in a situation where there seems to be no play to be made.

11. What has been your biggest challenge in life?

The biggest challenge in my life has been figuring myself out as a man every day. As you continue to grow you find out more and more about yourself, good and bad. I think for me the most difficult part is recognizing that bad and trying to make it into the good. I am getting better at that every day, on and off the field.

12. What is a skill that you have that you think translates into the NFL well?

Once again, my abilities with the ball in my hand. I truly believe that when it comes to guys getting yards after the catch there won’t be a receiver in the country, FCS or FBS, who can do what I do on a game to game basis. Also I think my catching ability in itself translates very well. In the NFL QB’s love to find either a tight end, or quick shifty receiver on those third down situations and that is something I feel I am perfect for.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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