Every NFL team will be scouring the country for diamond-in-the-rough prospects heading into next year’s draft, and Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell should be among their best finds.
One of the best small-school prospects in college football, Rochell recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his preparations for 2020, how he approaches different kinds of receivers and coverages, and what fans can expect from him moving forward.
JM: You had a strong season in 2019, which put you firmly on the NFL draft radar. How can you take a step forward in 2020?
RR: I’m just working on several aspects of my game right now. I’m trying to become a better leader, both on and off the field. My teammates mean so much to me. I’m just trying to push everybody in the right direction. I want to make my coaches proud this year. I’m trying to do the things that maybe I didn’t do last year. It’s all about personal growth.
JM: I heard that you played around 179-pounds last year, but plan to play closer to 195 this year. Is that true?
RR: Yeah, most definitely. I’m currently 195 pounds.
JM: How did you add all that bulk over the summer?
RR: By eating (laughs). I made sure I was eating right. I was just trying to be more consistent with my diet and with my lifting schedule. Being at home, I’ve been able to eat a lot of big meals. You’ll put that weight on quickly (laughs).
JM: Are you concerned the added weight may make you less explosive?
RR: No, not at all. I’ve been working out at this weight for a solid two months right now. I’m very comfortable with the weight.
JM: We saw a few small-school defensive backs make their presence known at last year’s NFL draft. Jeremy Chinn and Kyle Dugger come to mind. They were drafted high, despite being small-school prospects. Can you follow in their footsteps?
RR: I definitely hope to follow in their footsteps. Being at a smaller school, we’re always looked down upon. People think we don’t play against good competition or whatever. Us small-school players are the same types of athletes as the guys at the big schools. We belong in that conversation.
Who will be this year’s Dugger or Chinn? Central Arkansas CB Robert Rochell definitely has NFL talent but he needs to play with more consistent urgency. If he brings it like he did versus Western Kentucky he’ll have a good shot at 2021 @seniorbowl invite. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/D8HJCSzw0g
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) June 17, 2020
JM: It’s inevitable that you’ll be called a “small-school prospect” throughout the pre-draft process. What’s your reaction when you hear that?
RR: It just makes me wanna go harder. It gives me motivation. I don’t like being frowned upon or doubted. This is why I work my tail off every single day. I’m always working. I don’t want them to doubt me because I went to a small school. I want to take that thought right out of their minds. I try to do everything I can to eliminate that.
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme Central Arkansas runs on defense?
RR: We play a lot of man coverage. That comes first. We try to lock you up in press coverage. We play fast and physical. We don’t shy away from a battle. We’re going to play man on the outside and press your receivers at the line.
JM: Is man coverage your preferred coverage to play in?
RR: I like man coverage, and I also like zone. Zone gives you a great chance to make plays and get your hands on the ball. It allows you to keep your eyes on the quarterback a little bit more than man coverage does. I appreciate the chance to make plays in zone coverage. I really like both of those coverages.
JM: When you’re in man, do you attack a smaller, shiftier receiver differently than you do a bigger, more physical one?
RR: Yeah, I definitely do. Those smaller guys can get in and out of breaks more efficiently than a bigger guy can. You have to be a little more technical with those smaller guys. I can definitely play with a big, physical receiver. I can keep those guys in my pocket. They don’t move as fast, their breaks are a little slower. I enjoy playing against those bigger guys.
JM: Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl, recently mentioned you as a small-school prospect on his 2021 Senior Bowl watch list. How much would that invite mean to you?
RR: That would be a huge opportunity for me. I had to thank him for that. He had some constructive criticism for me. I appreciate that, as well. It just makes me wanna go harder. If that invite comes, I’m going to be ecstatic.
JM: What can fans expect from Robert Rochell and Central Arkansas this season?
RR: From the team, we’re chasing a national championship. We believe in the talent we have on this squad. That comes first and foremost. We’re definitely coming back home with the conference championship. From me, they can expect me to be a more consistent, dominant player. I’m going to be more of a vocal leader on and off the field.
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