Name: Cedrick Malone
College: South Carolina
Position: Safety/Nickel
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 205
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Cedrick: If I could describe my play in 3 words it would be Tenacious, Aggressive, and Smart.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Cedrick: I have been training at Velocity Sports Performance in Charlotte, North Carolina for my Pro day. From the very beginning of January up until the beginning of April. 4-5 days week. Now I’m back home working out on my own just praying for an opportunity from an NFL team or any Pro football organization.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
Cedrick: If I could compare myself to any NFL football player it would probably be Eric Berry. He’s the total package when it comes to being a safety. He can come in the box and play, he can cover the slot/TE’s. He is physical, has all skills, he can also cover the deep post and all over the field. He’s just the complete safety in my opinion.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
Cedrick: When I am studying film I am looking for my opponents weaknesses. I am looking for any clues or first steps they’ll make that may lead you to the play. I’m looking for their favorite tendencies, formations, favorite routes. Things of that nature that will give me a competitive advantage.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
Cedrick: What separates me from players at my position would have to be my versatility and work ethic. I’ve played Linebacker, Nickel, Safety, and even a little Corner during my college career. I’m not afraid to play whatever is asked of me and I’ll play it at 110% to my absolute best ability. I also believe that nobody works harder than myself. I’m the first one in the building and the last one to leave. I put in extra time to perfect my craft on the field and off the field. I believe in leading by example and that is one way that I show it.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Cedrick: Some abilities I would bring to a team would be my blue collar mentally. I come to work everyday with my hard hat on ready to go to work and while I’m there I will be the hardest working person there as well as when I leave the field. I’ve perceived through a lot of adversity throughout my football career and even in my life in general and I am determined to play at the next level. I have a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina and I’m currently working on my masters Degree so I think that will bring some value to an NFL organization as well. Another thing I would bring is my lead by example attitude. I believe that to earn respect from people you have to come in and work hard and do it day in and day out. I will do that and show that I belong on that stage.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Cedrick: I want to just tell them that if they take a chance on me they would be getting a great investment in myself. I know I don’t have much playing experience on the college level, but I have perceived through and have the determination, measurables, and athletic ability to play on the next level if given the opportunity. No one will out work me and I will put in countless hours of work to become the absolute best football player on and off the field that I can possibly become. I’m determined to be the best and I won’t stop until that becomes a reality. I’ve gone through this journey with uncertainty and I haven’t shied away from it one time. I’ve always believed in myself and my abilities. If you were to ask anyone of my former coaches they would not only speak highly of me as a football player, but also of my spotless past and great character. I would just love nothing more than have an opportunity to show an NFL or Pro football organization that I can play this game and help them win games.