NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Eddie Morales III, CB, Monmouth University

Eddie Morales III the shutdown cornerback for Monmouth University recently sat down with Jimmy Williams of Draft Diamonds
  • Name: Eddie Morales III
  • Height: 5’9”
  • Weight: 180
  • Position: CB
  • College: Monmouth University
  • Twitter: moraleseddie3
  • Instagram: eddie_morales3

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?
I am majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. I am also participating in a Bible Study. Before the pandemic, I participated in local service projects with our team. We would spend time at the local high school playing games with the kids or go to the Ronald McDonald House to help with fundraisers. We’ve also done a beach outreach where we connect with the locals and advertise about our season.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I am a leader on our team which shows by my actions. Throughout practice, preparation and games, I try to set the standard. I’ll also help others gain the right mentality and hold others accountable.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve played outside corner and even a little bit of safety. Although, lately, I have been in the box playing a lot of nickel and being used as a blitzer. I’m comfortable playing in a lot of different positions and schemes. I’ve played, press, quarters, cover 3, cloud coverage. You name it. I can do it. I have a good understanding of the defense and what it means to play at a high level.

I’m also very active on special teams. I’ve played almost everywhere from kickoffs, kick  returns, the gunner on punts, and I’ve also been the starting punt returner since 2019.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
One of the earliest guys that I remember facing was Juwan Green at Albany. He was a big time playmaker who was fast and really challenged me early on in my career.

Most recently, we played against Sam Houston State in the 2021 Spring playoffs, and I faced Jequez Ezzard who made a big impact on their team. He’s a good athlete and dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I believe we have one of the best secondary units in the country. I’ll start off with Anthony Budd who’s the QB of our defense playing safety. He’s one of our captains and a lot of people look up to him. He played a crucial role in helping me make the transition to defense in college. Next is Justin Terry who’s a great corner that plays fast. His leadership shows with his approach and effort he gives on every play. Then, there’s Tyrese Wright. He’s a safety that’s still a junior. He brings the juice on every play. His energy pushes us and keeps us on track throughout preparation and games.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My freshman year was a big challenge. Throughout my whole football career, I had only played offense. I played QB and WR in high school. During my first summer camp, the coaches asked me to switch positions. I didn’t argue or complain. I just took that as an opportunity to get on the field and play. Being a former QB, I was already familiar with coverages that defenses run. Coach Lewis Walker helped give me the one-on-one time that I needed, and I was able to catch on quickly. He and my teammates helped me grow into the player that I am.

I’ll also say that being a freshman in general comes with its own set of obstacles. You can feel pressure coming to a brand new school and not knowing what to major in. I feel like once everything started to click on the football field, all the pieces started to fall in place in the classroom too. I was able to focus on what I really wanted to do.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. Growing up it was my first sport. I played baseball and basketball in high school. I actually set a school record in rebounds, and I was mentioned on all-division and all state teams in both sports.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of starting at a Division One FCS School. I wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school, yet I’ve still had great success.  I’ve been first team all-conference as a PR and CB, and we were Big South Champions in 2019 and 2020.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My sophomore year, we were playing against Gardner-Webb at home. It had been a close game, and we needed a spark to get things going. It was the second quarter, and I returned a punt for 41 yards exciting the team and fans. That opened up our team, and we finished with a comfortable win at 49-28.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Kenny Moore is a player that has similar size and I try to model my game after. He does his job regardless of who’s in front of him. Tyran Mathieu is another player that I look up to. He’s been a very exciting player even going back to LSU where he returned punts. He plays at a high level, and no one can knock him off his game.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Baby and Lil Durk are two artists that put me in a good mood and get me ready to play.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom, grandmother and aunt make a chicken tetrazzini that’s really good. That and some garlic bread is my favorite comfort food. 

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
One of my favorite movies is “When the Game Stands Tall.” It’s a football movie and never gets enough love. Michael B. Jordan is a great actor that I have a lot of respect for. One of my favorite TV Shows is The Office.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a family guy. I’m actually not too far from home when I’m at school, and I go there often. Some of my hobbies include bike riding, and I also enjoy reading.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Football is just what I love to do. I never questioned whether I wanted to do it. It’s always been there as an escape, and it helps keep me disciplined.

My family motivates me a lot. My father played a lot of different sports like me and always put a ball in my hands to play with. He was a coach and he helped mold me into being a strong leader like him. My mom and sister also motivate me. They are my biggest fans and enjoy watching me be happy playing the game that I love.

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