2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cole McCubrey, LB, Bentley University

• Name: Cole McCubrey
• Position: Linebacker
• College: Bentley University (UMass Graduate Transfer)
• Height: 5117
• Weight: 227
• Twitter: Colemccubrey34
• Instagram: colemccubrey

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft?

• Three aspects of my game that separate me as a top linebacker prospect is my football IQ, speed, and work ethic. I’ve played under four different defensive coordinators and five position coaches, which has given me a whole view on the game and the ability to quickly understand different defensive schemes. I’ve also had the opportunity to play/see a lot football, including three and a half seasons starting at linebacker (1 at Bentley and 2.5 at UMass), and five years starting on special teams. Lastly, I love the game and I will continue making my daily decisions around trying to be the best football player I can be through physical and mental preparation. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

• 7 years old

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

• I am willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team and can quickly learn new roles/positions for whatever is needed.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

• I would love the opportunity to get involved and donate to any youth health organization, specifically relating to helping kids get their necessary daily nutritional needs in areas that are struggling.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

• The best advice I’ve ever received is “you can always stand out through your attitude and effort”. I was told this by one of my college coaches early on in my career, and it has been something that I’ve lived by both on the field and in my life outside of football. 

Who was your childhood hero?

• I’ve always looked up to my parents and older brother, and they have helped push me towards my success as a person and athlete.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

• At Bentley, I would say that one of my best teammates was the other linebacker I played next to, Sal, based off his effort and wiliness to help the team in any way possible. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• The biggest pet peeve for me is people that give poor effort. I’ve always believed your effort is always controllable and you should try your best in whatever you are doing. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

• Starting with getting recruited in college, I’ve always been against the odds being from a small school and being undersized. I’ve always used this as a chip on my shoulder to outwork my competition and control what I can control. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

• Throughout my college career at Bentley and UMass, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by great people. The relationships I’ve built at both schools will last forever, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of each team. 

What is your favorite snack food?

• My favorite healthy snack would have to be fruit, specifically berries and watermelon. For an unhealthy snack, I would have to go with Cheez-It’s.

What is the best part of football?

• My favorite part of football besides the people and the relationships, is the physicality and preparation that goes with the game. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

• My combination on work ethic, experience, and athletic ability will separate me on the field, and I will be continuing to be a great teammate.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

• I usually don’t compare my play to any specific player, but I love watching Devin White play and feel that I have similar attributes in my game play.