Name: Joshua Cordero 
School: SUNY Cortland 
Position: DB
Height: 5-10
Weight: 190

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

As part of my collegiate team, I set the goal to win the Empire 8 and NCAA tournament. We accomplished the goal of winning the Empire 8 Championship. I set a personal goal for myself to get the most interceptions in my school’s history. I was blessed with two tied school records. Most interceptions in a single game (3). Most defensive touchdowns by a player in a season (3). 

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

My coaches would say that I am a selfless and hungry competitor that wants to win. They would say I am a leader and that I do not stop at the set standard, but set a new one every week. My teammates would say that I ask questions and focus on the details and the little things that we rehearse in practice. Both my teammates and my coaches would agree that I focus on consistent effort to achieve success.

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

Film is the outlet to achieving success as a player. When it comes to film as a DB, I start with getting used to the QB we have that week; studying their strengths and weaknesses as an offense. I study to see if they are a passing team or if they run heavy offense. I also watch their route concepts and their play calling on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd downs. I study the wide receivers I’d be matched up against, the routes they run, and the tendencies they use. I check for small things, such as fixing their gloves which may lead to a passing play; or watching what they do before setting up for a run play. Reading their body language is key to get a feel as to what plays these other teams will be running and how I need to react to each play.

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

What separates me from other pro prospects is the absolute hunger and willing to do whatever it takes mentality and physically to succeed and excel as a pro athlete. I am a sponge and learn on a daily basis the techniques and strategies in my position. I ask questions and give 110% effort on and off the field. I have the confidence to win battles before they have even started. This has been my lifestyle and outlook on football since I first fell in love with this sport back in middle school. I always told my teammates a famous quote, “It’s not about where you play, but how you play.” What separates me is the competitive nature I have to keep pushing myself physically and mentally to be the best player I can be.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My current off-season plan is to train in Scottsdale, Arizona for a pro day in March. I participated in a CGS Gridiron Small school Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas. My trainer, Nicholas Edmond, works with many NFL clients. His expertise in football training, both post season, pre season and in season, will help me get in the best shape physically and mentally to prepare for a pro day and compete on an NFL team.

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

A strength I would bring to a new team is pushing the man next to me to excel. It doesn’t matter if I’m a rookie, every team at every level can always have a leader and a teammate that is willing to impact those around him, not just as a football player, but a human being as well. Other strengths I have is being a versatile teammate to play various positions as a DB. In my career tape, you can see blocked punts on special teams and lining up on the #1 and #2 receiver playing man/zone as corner/nickel, and tackling with ferocious effort. Another strength I have is building positive relationships with my coaches and teammates.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

My final pitch to the NFL and other pro league teams: I will be a recruiting decision you’ll never regret. I will work hard on every rep, every route and every play to push myself and my teammates.