Jeremy Chinn

Safety / Southern Illinois

Ed Hunt:  How do you feel going into your first Senior Bowl practice?

Jeremy Chinn:  Man, I’m excited.  I can’t wait.  That’s why we’re here.

Ed Hunt:  What would you say is your best fit position-wise at the next level?

Jeremy Chinn:  You know, I’m pretty versatile so whether it be safety, linebacker or corner.  I would say that.

Ed Hunt:  Do you feel as a long corner you can play at this level coming from Southern Illinois, but also have tough non-conference games?

Jeremy Chinn:  Absolutely!  I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t or if I didn’t believe that I could so.

Ed Hunt:  Who was the hardest receiver you have faced?

Jeremy Chinn:  Probably DK Metcalf.  His big play ability stood out and his size.   

Ed Hunt:  How did you do against him?

Jeremy Chinn:  I had a really good game.

Ed Hunt:  What do you want to show NFL teams here in Mobile?

Jeremy Chinn:  I am just happy to be here.  I am happy to represent Southern Illinois.  That I’m a competitor.  That I’m just excited to compete.  Show that I can cover the tight end and play in zone.  I can learn to play in the defense fast.  I’m just excited to compete.

Ed Hunt:  How did you wind up at Southern Illinois?

Jeremy Chinn:  Being under recruited out of high school.  I didn’t have any offers until my senior year of high school. 

Ed Hunt:  What are your strengths?

Jeremy Chinn:  A leader.  I am always going to hold my teammates and myself accountable.  I am reliable.  On the field, I am a great tackler.  I am rangy.  I have the ball skills.

Ed Hunt:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Jeremy Chinn:  Zone coverage.  Keep my pad level lower.            

Ed Hunt:  How many years did you start and how much experience do you have on special teams?

Jeremy Chinn:  I played on the defense for four years.  I played on special teams my freshman year and my senior year.

Ed Hunt:  Were you a gunner, a punt returner…?

Jeremy Chinn:  I was a personal protector on punts.

Ed Hunt:  Would you say you are a student of the game?

Jeremy Chinn:  Absolutely!

Ed Hunt:  Can you go through what you look for pre-snap?

Jeremy Chinn:  Identify the formation, the personnel.  That’s really what I am looking for pre-snap.  If I see a guy off the line.  I kind of go in my head what’s going to happen.  If he does motion, what’s my responsibility if he does motion.  If he doesn’t then I’m just ready.

Ed Hunt:  Being sort of on the taller end, how do you feel against tight ends?

Jeremy Chinn:  Real comfortable against tight ends.

Ed Hunt:  Would you say you are a better corner or safety?

Jeremy Chinn:  Either.  I played safety for four years.  I played a couple games at corner.  Primarily, I know I’m getting looked at as a safety.

Ed Hunt:  What is the highlight of your career at Southern Illinois? 

Jeremy Chinn:  Turning a losing program into a winning one. 

Ed Hunt:  What one word best describes you?

Jeremy Chinn:  Accountable.

Ed Hunt:  Where are your currently training for the NFL Draft?

Jeremy Chinn:  At MJP in McKinney, Texas.  It is the best place in the country.  The coaches there are incredible.  They work with you individually.  There is no athlete that gets swept under rug, no matter where you come from.  They really know what they are doing.