Essang Bassey

Cornerback / Wake Forest

Ed Hunt:  How did it feel out there in practice?

Essang Bassey:  Good work in practice.  Day two, you know.  Just picking up things that I learned from day one and carrying it in today.  I think I got better today.

Ed Hunt:  What are some things you want to show the scouts here this week in Mobile?

Essang Bassey:  I just want to show my ability to compete with bigger receivers.  Show that I can use my technique despite my size and compete at a high level.  Naturally just by their size, but I can make up for it with my competitiveness and my technique.

Ed Hunt:  What are your biggest strengths?

Essang Bassey:  I think I’m quick and physical.  I can be strong, just because I am a little smaller, but I still have the strength to compete with guys.  Just my technique and footwork are pretty consistent.

Ed Hunt:  What are your weaknesses?

Essang Bassey:  Yeah, I could be better.  I could show my physicality a little bit more.  Sometimes my eye discipline can get a little shaky, but that’s something I’m combating.  You know just kind of staying focused with it, moving my feet and competing at a high level.

Ed Hunt:  Have you hired an agent?

Essang Bassey:  Yes, I have.

Ed Hunt:  Has he told you what round you are looking to get drafted in?

Essang Bassey:  Ah, middle rounds.  Anywhere from 3-5.  Obviously, some grades teams have on me. But obviously, I’m here to improve that.

Ed Hunt:  What do you think is the best fit for you as far as scheme?  Are you better for a zone scheme or a man cover scheme?

Essang Bassey:  As a football player, you have to be able to adapt to any scheme.  We played a lot of off quarters, zone kind of in college.  I’m comfortable in zone.  We also played a little bit of man.  Anything teams want to see or want to do, you have to be able to adapt to that.

Ed Hunt:  Playing at a highly academic school like Wake Forrest, can you talk about being a student athlete, having difficult academic demands and playing major, ACC football?

Essang Bassey:  Sure, Wake was a little different you know.  We actually went to class.  Some guys at other schools would take online classes, so you know we were right in the thick of things with the non-student athletes.  We would have tutor sessions and academic services with us week to week.  Those rigors, you have the football side and you have the academics as well.  I think Wake Forrest did an incredible job with me and the rest of the student athletes, giving us a schedule to balance those two things out.

Ed Hunt:  Would you say you are a film guy?

Essang Bassey:  To be successful on the football field, you have to be a student of the game.  You have to know your opponent, but also know yourself and your scheme.  You have to know the defense you are playing in, so definitely for sure.

Ed Hunt:  Is there a favorite team you had growing up?

Essang Bassey:  Yeah, I mean I was more of a college guy.  I didn’t really get to watch much NFL. College football was kind of my thing.  Then when I got to college, we practice on Sundays, so growing up I didn’t get to watch much NFL except for the big games.  I didn’t have a favorite team. 

Ed Hunt:  Where are you training for the NFL Draft?

Essang Bassey:  I’m in Fort Lauderdale at XPE sports.