Recently I was able to conduct an interview with Ligarius Jennings, CB, Tennessee State. Ligarius has been a very consistent player throughout his college career and he's now considered to be a very solid NFL prospect. He made a very impressive showing at the Senior Bowl and he hopes to top it all off with impressive workouts at the Combine next month. Below is some info on Ligarius, followed by our interview.
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Name: Ligarius Jennings
School: Tennessee State
Position: CB
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 200
40 Time: 4.45
Draft Status: 2nd-3rd Round projection. Combine will make his draft status more definite.
My View: Ligarius is a very kind, intelligent, and gifted young man. He knows how to succeed and he's got a proven track record. He's a very physical corner for his size and he can play with bigger WR's. He'll make his mark as a nickel back early on, but has the skills to become a starter in the NFL. A great kid!
INTERVIEW:
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team get by drafting you?
L.J.: An NFL team will get an honest, hard working person that has a passionate love for the game, and will give 100% of himself towards the team.
Q: What are your plans after your football career is over?
L.J.: After my professional career is completed, I would like to explore the field of business information systems, in which I am recieving my degree. This field deals with web base organization.
Q: Rank your three playing strengths.
L.J.: My three playing strengths would include my vision on the field, open-field tackling, and the ability to handle taller receivers.
Q: Any weaknesses in your game that you'd like to improve on?
L.J.: Two areas of improvement would be my speed, and working on my accuracy of catching the ball.
Q: What have you heard about your draft status? Are you encouraged by what you've heard?
L.J.: I have heard that I am a second rounder with possibilities of sneaking in the late first round. I am very encouraged by what I have heard.
Q: Do you feel you're mentally and physically prepared for the NFL style of play? What have you done to get ready?
L.J.: I feel that I am mentally and physically prepared for the NFL style of play. In preparation for the NFL, I have been training very hard.
Q: Coming from Tennessee State, what was it like for you to get the national exposure in the Senior Bowl? Was it everything you thought it would be?
L.J.: Coming from a smaller university, it was an honor to be able to play in the game and receive the type of national exposure that surrounds the Senior Bowl. My experience at the Senior Bowl was all that I thought it would be.
Q: Are you aware of how much your life is going to change in th months ahead? What are your feelings at this moment about everything going on? Is it overwhelming?
L.J.: I am very much aware of what is at stake in the months to come. My feelings about everything going on at this time is that it is a very difficult and strenuous process. The entire process has not been overwhelming to me, just a blessing.
Q: What's it like to be in your shoes right now? I can only imagine the pressure you're under.
L.J.: To be in my shoes right now is a really great feeling, and there really is not much pressure because all I know I have to do is go out and perform.
Q: Ligarius, I've always been a big fan of yours. In fact, you were listed as a top CB prospect on my board since September. After watching you all week at the Senior Bowl practices, you showed you belong. Now, with the draft in a little over 2 months, what do you see happening on Draft Day? What will your emotions be like when you hear your name called?
L.J.: On draft day, I see myself sitting in front of the television hoping I will get drafted. Hearing my name called will be quite emotional for me as well as my family. It's been my dream since I was a kid.
M.G.: Ligarius, I wish you nothing but good luck and good fortune. You're a class act and you've earned everything that comes your way. I look forward to us speaking again. Good Luck in the NFL!!!
L.J.: I really want to thank you for taking time out to help me with this process, and I hope you remember me on draft day. Thanks Matt!
-Ligarius Jennings
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