Nigel Copeland Interview
Cornerback - Grambling  

By: Alex Khvatov

 

2/26/10

 Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Nigel Copeland:  Right now, I am 5’9” and 170 pounds.  My fastest forty is a 4.45.        
 

Alex Khvatov:  What schools showed interest in you during the recruiting process?

Nigel Copeland:  Alabama, UAB, Troy, Tuskegee and Grambling.  I had an offer from Alabama, but I never qualified on the SAT. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Grambling?   

Nigel Copeland:  I had a cousin that played there.  I knew about Grambling’s football history and tradition.  You can’t beat the history of this program.  This school is one of the top programs.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What were your team and personal goals heading into the senior season?

Nigel Copeland:  We wanted to repeat as National Champions.  It is something that we were able to accomplish my junior year.  I wanted to make All-Conference and be an All-American.
 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you rate your senior season?

Nigel Copeland:  I had a pretty good senior season.  I would go with a 9.  I never gave up a big play.  I was able to stop the big play.  I had a good senior year. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the football field?

Nigel Copeland:  I understand the game.  I am very smart.  I know the defense.  I am good at covering the receivers.  I am quick.  I can tackle and I pride myself on it.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game do you need to improve upon? 

Nigel Copeland:  My biggest thing is putting on weight.  I feel that I can play in the NFL if I put on more weight.  I still need to improve my overall game.   
  

Alex Khvatov:  What will you miss the most about Grambling?

Nigel Copeland:  My camaraderie with the teammates and the friendships that I have made with them.  It is the best thing that happened to me.  I have a lot of memories. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most memorable moment of your college career?

Nigel Copeland:  The most memorable moment was my last game of my senior year.  I just cried at the end of the game.  It was a great feeling.  It was very emotional.  My last game was in the New Orleans Superdome.  I will never forget it.  I cried like a baby when it was over. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Nigel Copeland:  The Patriots.  I love the team concept.  They have won three Super Bowls.  They seem to win with less talent.  I love that about them.  I like how they conduct themselves.  I am a big fan of Tom Brady. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?  

Nigel Copeland:  I am kind of a big fan of Darrelle Revis.  He is a great corner.  I enjoy what he is doing out there.  He has become the best corner.  I enjoy watching him.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Which underclassman on your team should we keep an eye on in the future?

Nigel Copeland:  Of course, my cousin DE Christian Anthony.  He is great.  He is one of the best D-II players in the nation.  He had five INT’s last season playing with the hand down on the ground.  He is big time.  He should have a big time year. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the greatest lesson that you have learned in life? 

Nigel Copeland:  Life is short.  Don’t hold any grudges.  Don’t take life so seriously.  Love and forget quickly.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Nigel Copeland:  I am mostly kicking it with my family.  I am a home body.  I play video games.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you plan to do with your life after football?  

Nigel Copeland:  I want to get into business management.  I am training in New York and I went to see Wall Street.  I want to get into stuff like that. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Has the NFL always been in the back of your mind?  

Nigel Copeland:  Yeah, of course.  I have been busting my behind.  Now I have a chance to get to the NFL and play.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Nigel Copeland:  Someone that doesn’t have to say anything.  A leader is someone that does right all the time.  He picks up his teammates.  He has the ability to make decisions out of respect at the end of the day. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  How are you preparing for the Pro Day?

Nigel Copeland:  Every morning, we are doing our running.  It is a pretty nice indoor track.  Basically, we are working on our starts.  We are running 60-yard dashes.  We are also able to do ab work.  We do push-ups and pull ups.  I have been on an eating regimen.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Nigel Copeland is….

Nigel Copeland:  Off-the-field, I am laid back and humble.  I am a quiet person.  I don’t say much when I am around people that I don’t know.  On the field, I play big.  I understand the game.  I know where everybody has to be.  I am a great cover guy.  I am never out of position.