Name: Emile Hope
School: Wayne State College
Position: CB/Nickel
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195

Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?

I had a goal to be a team leader, I was a captain and I have the respect of my teammates and a lot of those guys look up to me, I’m proud of that.

Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?

My coaches would say I’m an instinctive, versatile player that they can count on to make plays on defense and special teams. Also, a leader that motivates his teammates.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

Watching film, I really look for tendency and tells. Alignments on certain downs and who gets targeted on crucial downs. Understanding what the opposing quarterback is comfortable doing and what the opposing coordinator likes to call in those situations. When and where are their big plays. Also, watching the receivers, stance, footwork, how they attack the ball, do they take run plays off. It puts me in a better position to make plays, I know you are either doing 1-3 things pre snap and in the first few steps off the line, I got you figured out.

Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?

I would say first my physicality, route running is a lot about timing, so when the Receiver can’t get into his route and to the spot he needs to be in, he’s not getting thrown to, I don’t get thrown at much. It’s disruptive when you make the quarterback go off his first read consistently. Also, outside run to my direction is not happening, if I’m playing corner to the wide side of the field, then I’m shrinking the field, I may as well be the out of bounds marker.

Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?

Perfecting my craft, improving every aspect, explosiveness, playing the ball at the highest point, hips, transitions and flexibility, getting stronger in my core and upper body. Mental things also, like good eyes and hand placement in man coverage. Speed and stamina training, have to be able to go for 5 quarters. So I’ll be on the track for sure.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I would say knowledge of the game, football IQ. I’ll pick up the system fast, and be able to help others learn it also. A defense is so much better when all 11 players are on the same page mentally. Playing safety at Laney Junior College, we got the defense lined up and made the calls, changing blitzes and coverage based on formation. I think that also makes me really versatile and hard to take off the field, can fill in a run fit, be left on an island in coverage, ability to disguise coverages and change techniques, and can force some bad decisions. By far my strongest ability to being able to play in space, I don’t miss open field tackles.

Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

I’m a versatile Defensive Back with a high football IQ. Great as a man to man corner. Great as a box safety. Great as a slot/nickel player. Starting from walking on at a school that never heard of me, to being a starter 4 games into the season on a defensive that ended top in the nation in interceptions/turnovers, also starting on every special teams. To then be voted team captain in my second season. I’m an impact player and leader. I really come from a football pedigree, I’m a student of the game, been one since 7 years old and I’ve grown to be a true professional on and off the field. I’m watching NFL film already and breaking down the competition at the next level, seeing what exact skill set I can bring to a team, and how I can be a factor. I’m ready for the challenge, the fight. I have the ability and the hunger to win and help a team in whatever way.