NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Kevin Cummings, WR, Oregon State

kevinDraft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Kevin Cummings, WR, Oregon State
How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
Out of high school I had offers from SDSU, Montana, Oregon State, and a late offer from CAL. I also had a number of small school scholarships.
Where did you choose and why?
Through most of the recruiting process, I was committed to San Diego State. After they made a coaching change I started to look at different schools and OSU offered. I had been following the program and knew that it would be a hood fit for me so I changed my commitment. 
What were your goals for your senior year?
My goals for my senior year were to be a leader of my position group and team. Statistically I wanted to have a 700+ yard and 5+ td season. I was on my way to getting those numbers, but missed then last half of the season with a broken wrist. I was able to come back and play in the bowl game.
Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
I haven’t formally met with any scouts, but I spoke with a few at my pro day and through emails, and they are saying that I will make a camp and need to be ready for the opportunity.
At your position, what separates you from the others?
What separates me from other receivers is my knowledge of the game and what the defense is doing. This allows me to play without thinking too much so I’m always going full speed. I also play the game very physically. It is important to play physical out on the field because there are times where you’ll go up against a player that is either the same speed or faster than you and you need to be physical in order to get that separation and body position. 
Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
When watching film, I look for anything that can give me an advantage on the field. I look at the defenders technique and what flaw they are trying to protect, and I also see if I can find a mental lapse in the defender. If I can expose a weakness in that defense it will take the player out of their element and further my advantage on the field. I also look for defensive schemes so that I can react on the field and play full speed.
Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
The toughest player I’ve faced was Kenny Vaccaro who now plays for the NO saints. He was a quick safety who could also play the nickel and played the game the way a safety should.
If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
If I could compare myself to a current NFL receiver it would be Steve Smith of the ravens. The way he runs his routes as well as the attitude and physicality he plays with on the field is something I relate to.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
This biggest obstacle in my life was breaking my wrist my senior season. I was blessed to go through my college career serious injury free, but my senior season when i was getting to a great start I suffered a break. I got surgery and quickly got into rehab. The injury should have kept me out for 8 weeks but I got back in 7 and was able to make it back for the bowl game  and help my team get a win against boise state.
What system fits your style of play the best?
Playing in a prostyle offense in college, I can see myself fitting into that type of offense. I think a type of offense that the Patriots run really fits my style.
What is your biggest strength?
 My biggest strength is my route running. I can beat the defender in man to man coverage, and I am able to work my way through zone coverage and expose that void. 
What is your biggest weakness?
 My biggest weakness would probably be rushing some of my routes. I have a time clock in my head, and sometimes break my routes off early because I am in a rush. I have to continue to push my depth and keep that defender on his heels.
If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?
I would let you know that I can make plays for your team. Whatever roll you give me on your team I will take full advantage of it. In college my roll was a 3rd down converter. In 13 of 25 of my catches before injury, I converted a first down or touchdown on 3rd and fourth down plays. I play the game very smart and physical, and I can help the team wherever you need me.
Growing up, who was your role model?
Growing up my roll model was and is still my father. My dad played ball in the CFL and has a great knowledge of the game. He is a role model for not only sports but how to be a man. He has taught me about the value of respect, as well as other things that go way beyond sports.
Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
My favorite team as of late has been the Houston Texans. Although they had a rough year, Ive been a fan of some of their receivers over the years. My favorite receiver was Hines Ward. I love the passion he played the game with and I loved the way he made plays as a receiver. I try to mold my game after him.
If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
I would love to have dinner with Hines Ward to pick his brain and learn about his work ethic. I would also love to have dinner with Barack Obama because I love the way he speaks and how he conveys messages. Lastly I would want to have dinner with Solomon Northup who was featured in the movie 12 years a slave. It took a lot of heart, belief, and courage to endure the things he did and to make it back to his family.
With your first paycheck what would you buy?
With my first paycheck I would get an account started to pay off my sisters college loans. 

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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