Post by sec.101row23 on Jan 19, 2015 10:19:48 GMT -5
CBS Sports draft site does a good job of highlighting some under the radar prospects from smaller programs who don't get a ton of attention. Here is the one on Quentin Rollins, he has an interesting story and some decent upside.
www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24878273/meet-the-prospect-miami-ohio-cb-quinten-rollins
A football and basketball recruit in high school, Rollins went the basketball route in college and played four seasons at point guard for the Redhawks. He finished his basketball career second in Miami history in steals (214), but with one year of eligibility left, Rollins wanted to return to football and tried out for the Redhawks during the Spring of 2014. He made the team and earned a starting job at cornerback, growing more comfortable at the position as the season progressed. Rollins finished the 2014 season with 72 tackles, 16 passes defended and seven interceptions, earning Team MVP and MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Rollins is a fluid, natural athlete with excellent foot quickness and make-up speed to mirror receivers up and down the field. He displays good plant-and-drive burst with change-of-direction skills to redirect his momentum quickly. Built well for the position with moldable traits, Rollins is a tough run defender and shows solid mechanics for his inexperience. He has a short memory and bounces back nicely from mistakes, exuding confidence on the field. Rollins has terrific ballskills with accurate tracking and timing to get his hands on the ball.
Rollins has only one year of experience on the football field since high school and is admittedly raw in several aspects of the game. He is still learning technique and tendencies at the position and needs to better develop his route recognition. Rollins isn't well versed with his backpedal and tends to flip his hips at the line of scrimmage, losing sight of the ball and focusing on the wide receiver off the snap. He plays a lot of press, but doesn't make contact near the line of scrimmage and needs coached up with his jam technique.
Rollins is currently ranked as the No. 15 senior cornerback prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com and is a projected mid-round draft pick.
What NFL Scouts are saying
“Q is the type of prospect you saw and say to yourself ‘I've found something here.' But he's also too good to stay a secret, unfortunately. Not many can do what he did this year. The question isn't if he will be drafted, but how high?” – AFC North scout
The Interview
Q: After four years on the Miami (Ohio) basketball team, you're obviously taking a different path to the NFL than most. What went into your decision to play football in 2014?
A: It really came down to the fact that I didn't know what I wanted to do after college yet. I didn't know if I wanted to go overseas to continue playing basketball or maybe get into the coaching field here. I had a football background and even considered it after my sophomore year of basketball, but that didn't work out. But then my senior year came around and I sat down with Coach (Chuck) Martin and we saw eye to eye. I gave spring ball a shot and it worked out pretty well. It was basically a tryout kind of deal whether or not he was going to give me a scholarship. And fortunately I was able to make enough plays for that to happen.
Q: Did the football coaches try and recruit you to switch or did you start that conversation of possibly trying out?
A: It was me going to the coaches. I was looking for help to get in somewhere for a fifth year of football. I thought about some other MAC schools and we sat down and it went from there.
Q: The basketball season ends in March and then spring football begins – did you have a break at all or was it straight from basketball to football?
A: Once basketball ended, I got back to campus and went to spring break with some friends. And then got to school on Monday and wasn't sure if I was going to spring practice or not. I was worn out, but then Coach Martin called me and asked if I was coming down today and I said yes. It happened quickly.
Q: At what point do you think you earned a starting job? Was it spring practice, summer workouts or closer to when the season started?
A: Definitely closer to the season. Spring ball was a grind, but I worked my way up the depth chart. From not getting many reps to moving up each and every practice and finishing spring practice well. I felt all spots were open in summer camp so I pushed and earned it again. I definitely didn't feel I secured the job until a few weeks before the season.
Q: If an overseas basketball team or even a D-League team called you for a workout, would you consider it or are you focused on football right now?
A: I'm strictly football right now.
Q: Did you consider going to college to play football, or was college basketball always your goal?
A: I definitely considered it, football was something I was interested in, but at the same time, I was so concerned with basketball and it took over my time. Football was only in the fall, but basketball was winter, spring and summer with AAU. There was more interest in basketball and I was recruited at an earlier age so that played a part.
Q: What position did you play on the football field in high school?
A: I was a running back and sometimes lined up at receiver. And on defense, I was the robber, moved all around, trying to make plays. But I was mainly an offensive player.
Q: If I told you back in April, that you would record 72 tackles, seven interceptions and be the Team MVP this season, would you have believed me?
A: I definitely wouldn't have believed that, but I would have said it would be possible. I don't know about the 72 tackles because I wasn't sure I would go against the run that much. I left a lot of balls out there, so I'm more concerned with what I gave up. I expected the interceptions, but the balls caught on me got me angry, what I remember more.
Q: What did it mean to win the MAC Defensive Player of the Year Award?
A: It meant a lot, especially with all the hard work, even form my basketball years. I didn't get my accolades in all my years at basketball, but I'm getting it now in football. I'm proud to represent the school, my teammates and coaches. But if I could trade that award for a MAC championship, I would in a second. You can't carry that award with you, but you can always have that ring.
Q: Not playing for so long and then finding success this season – did you surprise yourself? Or was it like riding a bike, came back quickly?
A: It definitely did not come back easy. I was almost done with football after that first day, to be honest. I expected to go out and be as good as I was in high school. But I was down on myself and felt terrible like I didn't belong because everyone was good. But I thought about it and stuck with it. It didn't happen overnight, but I stuck with it and knew it would come together after I got reps and more experience.
Q: Returning to the field, was there a certain area that you found more challenging?
A: I really hadn't been a defensive player before. So I didn't' know the knowledge, I just knew basketball terminology. Having to play defensive back is one of the hardest positions on the field in football, that definitely was a challenge.
Q: What do you think is the most important quality to have at the cornerback position – speed, technique, toughness?
A: For me, at this point in time, it's definitely my eyes. They got better throughout the season. I'm a raw guy and my technique is a little off. But if you have good eyes, that helps a lot. Good eye control to read things. If you can read things, you can make up for lost time. A half second is the difference between making the play or not.
Q: Obviously there was a lot more contact in football compared to basketball – how did your body hold up this season taking much more punishment than you're used to?
A: My body held up pretty good. A lot of people don't understand how much contact is in basketball. There aren't any pads and doesn't look as rough, but as a player I like to throw my body around. Football is way more demanding, so I was a lot more sore as opposed to basketball. I thought it handled it pretty well. Definitely better than I thought it would.
Q: You entered the season as basically an unknown, was there a certain point where you realized NFL scouts started to take notice in you?
A: They were roaming in camp in the summer and that was the first time I noticed. That's really when it started.
Q: Is there a player in the NFL you look up to or look to pattern your game after?
A: I really never watched the NFL like that. I was always a basketball player. Don't get me wrong, I love sports, but I never got into it that much. I do watch the good corners like Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, Joe Haden and want to take something form each and put it in my back pocket to use it. Sherman's recognition, Peterson's speed and toughness, Haden's ballskills. All of that can help me be a better player.
Q: With only one year of college experience on the football field, do you feel like you will be ready to play right away as a NFL rookie?
A: Yes, that's my opinion. I think I'm ready. I'm not going to come in and sit back, I'm ready to get right to work and be productive.
Q: Will basketball always be your first love?
A: Funny thing, I never played basketball or football growing up. I was really big into soccer and baseball, but then I got into the more mainstream sports, basketball and football. I have a love for both, love to compete.
Q: If I asked your position coach to describe you, what do you think he might say?
A: He would definitely tell you I'm a hard worker, intelligent guy, desire to be great.
Q: Fast forward five years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: I see myself being a household name. I don't want to come off as cocky, but I want to be established. I want to have respect at the position. I want to be established in an organization and hopefully be a five year starter with a championship.
www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24878273/meet-the-prospect-miami-ohio-cb-quinten-rollins
A football and basketball recruit in high school, Rollins went the basketball route in college and played four seasons at point guard for the Redhawks. He finished his basketball career second in Miami history in steals (214), but with one year of eligibility left, Rollins wanted to return to football and tried out for the Redhawks during the Spring of 2014. He made the team and earned a starting job at cornerback, growing more comfortable at the position as the season progressed. Rollins finished the 2014 season with 72 tackles, 16 passes defended and seven interceptions, earning Team MVP and MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Rollins is a fluid, natural athlete with excellent foot quickness and make-up speed to mirror receivers up and down the field. He displays good plant-and-drive burst with change-of-direction skills to redirect his momentum quickly. Built well for the position with moldable traits, Rollins is a tough run defender and shows solid mechanics for his inexperience. He has a short memory and bounces back nicely from mistakes, exuding confidence on the field. Rollins has terrific ballskills with accurate tracking and timing to get his hands on the ball.
Rollins has only one year of experience on the football field since high school and is admittedly raw in several aspects of the game. He is still learning technique and tendencies at the position and needs to better develop his route recognition. Rollins isn't well versed with his backpedal and tends to flip his hips at the line of scrimmage, losing sight of the ball and focusing on the wide receiver off the snap. He plays a lot of press, but doesn't make contact near the line of scrimmage and needs coached up with his jam technique.
Rollins is currently ranked as the No. 15 senior cornerback prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com and is a projected mid-round draft pick.
What NFL Scouts are saying
“Q is the type of prospect you saw and say to yourself ‘I've found something here.' But he's also too good to stay a secret, unfortunately. Not many can do what he did this year. The question isn't if he will be drafted, but how high?” – AFC North scout
The Interview
Q: After four years on the Miami (Ohio) basketball team, you're obviously taking a different path to the NFL than most. What went into your decision to play football in 2014?
A: It really came down to the fact that I didn't know what I wanted to do after college yet. I didn't know if I wanted to go overseas to continue playing basketball or maybe get into the coaching field here. I had a football background and even considered it after my sophomore year of basketball, but that didn't work out. But then my senior year came around and I sat down with Coach (Chuck) Martin and we saw eye to eye. I gave spring ball a shot and it worked out pretty well. It was basically a tryout kind of deal whether or not he was going to give me a scholarship. And fortunately I was able to make enough plays for that to happen.
Q: Did the football coaches try and recruit you to switch or did you start that conversation of possibly trying out?
A: It was me going to the coaches. I was looking for help to get in somewhere for a fifth year of football. I thought about some other MAC schools and we sat down and it went from there.
Q: The basketball season ends in March and then spring football begins – did you have a break at all or was it straight from basketball to football?
A: Once basketball ended, I got back to campus and went to spring break with some friends. And then got to school on Monday and wasn't sure if I was going to spring practice or not. I was worn out, but then Coach Martin called me and asked if I was coming down today and I said yes. It happened quickly.
Q: At what point do you think you earned a starting job? Was it spring practice, summer workouts or closer to when the season started?
A: Definitely closer to the season. Spring ball was a grind, but I worked my way up the depth chart. From not getting many reps to moving up each and every practice and finishing spring practice well. I felt all spots were open in summer camp so I pushed and earned it again. I definitely didn't feel I secured the job until a few weeks before the season.
Q: If an overseas basketball team or even a D-League team called you for a workout, would you consider it or are you focused on football right now?
A: I'm strictly football right now.
Q: Did you consider going to college to play football, or was college basketball always your goal?
A: I definitely considered it, football was something I was interested in, but at the same time, I was so concerned with basketball and it took over my time. Football was only in the fall, but basketball was winter, spring and summer with AAU. There was more interest in basketball and I was recruited at an earlier age so that played a part.
Q: What position did you play on the football field in high school?
A: I was a running back and sometimes lined up at receiver. And on defense, I was the robber, moved all around, trying to make plays. But I was mainly an offensive player.
Q: If I told you back in April, that you would record 72 tackles, seven interceptions and be the Team MVP this season, would you have believed me?
A: I definitely wouldn't have believed that, but I would have said it would be possible. I don't know about the 72 tackles because I wasn't sure I would go against the run that much. I left a lot of balls out there, so I'm more concerned with what I gave up. I expected the interceptions, but the balls caught on me got me angry, what I remember more.
Q: What did it mean to win the MAC Defensive Player of the Year Award?
A: It meant a lot, especially with all the hard work, even form my basketball years. I didn't get my accolades in all my years at basketball, but I'm getting it now in football. I'm proud to represent the school, my teammates and coaches. But if I could trade that award for a MAC championship, I would in a second. You can't carry that award with you, but you can always have that ring.
Q: Not playing for so long and then finding success this season – did you surprise yourself? Or was it like riding a bike, came back quickly?
A: It definitely did not come back easy. I was almost done with football after that first day, to be honest. I expected to go out and be as good as I was in high school. But I was down on myself and felt terrible like I didn't belong because everyone was good. But I thought about it and stuck with it. It didn't happen overnight, but I stuck with it and knew it would come together after I got reps and more experience.
Q: Returning to the field, was there a certain area that you found more challenging?
A: I really hadn't been a defensive player before. So I didn't' know the knowledge, I just knew basketball terminology. Having to play defensive back is one of the hardest positions on the field in football, that definitely was a challenge.
Q: What do you think is the most important quality to have at the cornerback position – speed, technique, toughness?
A: For me, at this point in time, it's definitely my eyes. They got better throughout the season. I'm a raw guy and my technique is a little off. But if you have good eyes, that helps a lot. Good eye control to read things. If you can read things, you can make up for lost time. A half second is the difference between making the play or not.
Q: Obviously there was a lot more contact in football compared to basketball – how did your body hold up this season taking much more punishment than you're used to?
A: My body held up pretty good. A lot of people don't understand how much contact is in basketball. There aren't any pads and doesn't look as rough, but as a player I like to throw my body around. Football is way more demanding, so I was a lot more sore as opposed to basketball. I thought it handled it pretty well. Definitely better than I thought it would.
Q: You entered the season as basically an unknown, was there a certain point where you realized NFL scouts started to take notice in you?
A: They were roaming in camp in the summer and that was the first time I noticed. That's really when it started.
Q: Is there a player in the NFL you look up to or look to pattern your game after?
A: I really never watched the NFL like that. I was always a basketball player. Don't get me wrong, I love sports, but I never got into it that much. I do watch the good corners like Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, Joe Haden and want to take something form each and put it in my back pocket to use it. Sherman's recognition, Peterson's speed and toughness, Haden's ballskills. All of that can help me be a better player.
Q: With only one year of college experience on the football field, do you feel like you will be ready to play right away as a NFL rookie?
A: Yes, that's my opinion. I think I'm ready. I'm not going to come in and sit back, I'm ready to get right to work and be productive.
Q: Will basketball always be your first love?
A: Funny thing, I never played basketball or football growing up. I was really big into soccer and baseball, but then I got into the more mainstream sports, basketball and football. I have a love for both, love to compete.
Q: If I asked your position coach to describe you, what do you think he might say?
A: He would definitely tell you I'm a hard worker, intelligent guy, desire to be great.
Q: Fast forward five years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: I see myself being a household name. I don't want to come off as cocky, but I want to be established. I want to have respect at the position. I want to be established in an organization and hopefully be a five year starter with a championship.
