Name: Xavier Cason
School: Emporia State University
Position: OT
Height: 6-3
Weight: 305
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Last season was an all around “average” season for me and for the Hornets. I knew that coming into this season we all wanted to be better than last year! I wanted us to win more games and make the playoffs! We came up short with the playoffs but we still finished the season with a bowl game win and ended the season 9-3! For me personally, I knew that I wanted to be 1st Team All-MIAA and be one of the best tackles in the conference! I finished the season being 2nd Team All-MIAA! When my coach sent me the article saying I was named 2nd team All American (by the AFCA) I was stunned! This was a huge accomplishment for me and knew that my hard worked was paying off! To top it off, I was also named 3rd team All-American (by the CFBnetwork)! I was very blessed this season with everything that my team and I accomplished!
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I would say that my coaches and teammates would say that I am a hard worker that always has a smile on my face! During this season, I was student teaching at an elementary school to finish up my degree. It was not easy at all but I kept my head down and continue to work hard and give my everything in both! I also always tried to keep a smile on my face. Life is a precious thing that is too short to always be upset. I always tried to have a smile on my face that way it would spread positivity all around the locker room and field!
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
During the season one thing I would focus on is what the DE’s tendencies were. Whether that be a push-pull, speed to bull rush, bait outside then go back inside, or a mix of moves! This would help me learn how to counter their moves during that week of practice and what footwork and hand placement would work the best! Something we would also study as an O-Line unit is what different blitz and stunts the front 7 would do! We would look for the way the defense would line up when they were about to blitz. Those were a few things I would look for while studying film.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think the main thing that separates me from other pro prospects is the way I can take coaching. With having different coaches in college, I really had to learn how to take coaching from different coaches. I know that is something that is important at the next level because every coach has their own techniques and theory’s on coaching. During this process, I have been told a couple of times that I would have to make the transition to guard. This is when taking coaching and applying it is very important, because I know it’ll be new to me and it’s something that I’ll have to really listen and work on what the coach is telling me.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
With me staying in Emporia, my former weights coach will be a big help in helping me prepare for the professionals opportunities. This will give me full access to a weight room and field anytime I need one. I also will watch my nutrition in preparing for this upcoming draft season.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field, I feel that my positive energy will be something that benefits the team. I feel that practice is somewhere that should have positive and fun energy and that is something I would try my hardest to bring everyday! Off the field I would bring the family atmosphere! I am a big family guy and at Emporia, we live and die by Family Over Everything (FOE). The more we hung out off the field, the better we played on the field. So I would invite players over and just have a good time with each other to build that family bond! I would also be in the community finding ways to give back! I am huge on giving back and helping those in need, and that is something I would strive to do off the field!
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
If I am on your team, you’ll be gaining an individual who is humble and ready to work! Everyday, I’ll strive to become better and being the best me I can be! I am big in working hard for people who believe in me and invest in me! I am hungry, ready to work, and will be forever grateful for the opportunity!
