Diamonds in the RoughNFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: CJ Bolar, WR, Alcorn State

CJ Bolar the wide receiver from Alcorn State recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds
CJ Bolar the wide receiver from Alcorn State recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds
  • Name: CJ Bolar
  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Weight: 195 lbs
  • School: Alcorn State University (previously Vanderbilt)
  • Level: Division I FCS – Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
  • Twitter: cjigggy
  • Instagram: cjbolar

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?

Major: Psychology

I am a part of the Student Athlete Advisor Committee 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Being reliable – people can count on me for anything they need. I just want to help out.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I have been transitioning into more of a leader this year. We run a spread/hurry-up offense, but I can really fill any role. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Deandre Baker, DB, Georgia 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Claudin Cherelus – he made more of an impact than I thought he would. As a former safety he has transitioned well to linebacker. 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

I understand why each route is important no matter the play. Getting my teammates open even when the play call is not for me is something I try to emphasize. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Being in the transfer portal and deciding which school I wanted to go to. It was a very stressful time and I wanted to be confident in my choice.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am most proud of being a brother to my two siblings. My biggest achievement is waking up every day and setting an example/standard. Life is something you have to navigate yourself and being at Alcorn has helped me accomplish that. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

In the fourth quarter of the Southern game last year, I had just dropped a wide open touchdown. On the next drive I secured the touchdown and a following two-point conversion to get the tie. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite team: Los Angeles Chargers

Favorite athlete: LeBron James

I model my game mostly after Keenan Allen. He is able to use his body in ways that are simply unique at the receiver position.      

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Usually I’m quite calm before the game – If I get too excited the nerves start to take over. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I play NBA 2K and Warzone. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I play football because what people do in my hometown isn’t what I wanted to be a part of. My mom and dad pushed me to get where I wanted, and now I feel like I’m truly in a great position. They have always been confident in my abilities. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m going to do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

Other notes on CJ Bolar: 

In high school we always had a decent team, didn’t really come out of my shell until junior year. Senior year wasn’t as productive so I still had a few offers on the table. It came down to Louisiana Tech and Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt had a better opportunity at the time so made my commitment official. His freshman year was pretty good with all things considered, I was second or third on the team in receiving yards which was nice given that I was so young. In sophomore year I had even better expectations, but the first few games were slow. At Florida, I dislocated my shoulder, and missed a few games towards the end of the year. By that point around COVID, I fell out of love with Vanderbilt and was only tolerating it because my mom wanted me there. Even though I had P5 and G5 offers in the transfer portal, I went to Alcorn State because I liked what the coaching staff had in place. My junior year was a bit below what I wanted it to be, but it was still refreshing to be away from Vanderbilt. 

Evan Willsmore

18 y/o writer and scout - just trying to give players an opportunity and the recognition they deserve. Fan of all things football.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button