Cardell Rawlings – Linebacker – Wingate University

 

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

 

Cardell Rawlings:  Last forty I ran was a 4.59 last spring with my conditioning coach.  I am 6’0, 237 pounds. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I thought about Florida, Atlanta and Dallas.  I haven’t picked one.  I will do it before Christmas. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the 2018 National Bowl.

 

Cardell Rawlings:  It was my first time to Daytona Beach.  The view and the sites were nice.  It was a very unique experience.  They took our measurements, and we saw the scouts.  It was an experience in itself.  Leading up to the game, I was splitting the reps between DE and LB.  It was to see how I compared in those areas with other guys.  The game was pretty cool.  I made plays at the game.  The coaches were pretty cool.  The head coach from our team (Bobby Rome) showed a lot of enthusiasm.  When I was covering the slot WR, I had great inside leverage.  I broke up the ball and showed good speed.  Our head coach made the experience more memorable.  I talked to a few scouts.  Agents reached out. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you faced during that weekend?   

 

Cardell Rawlings:  The guy from my conference.  He played at TE at Catawba College (Jourdan Osinskie).  I lined up against him in coverage in the one on one’s.  There was another LB Justin Hassell from Florida Tech.  He also showed that competitive fire. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  Out of high school, the biggest school was NC State, Gardner- Webb, Elon, NC Central and North Carolina A&T. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Wingate University? 

 

Cardell Rawlings:  Our school was new.  Our senior class was the first one to go all four years.  We didn’t have a lot of guys with great athletic ability.  They offered me a preferred walk on spot.  My recruiting coach kept in touch with me.  It was the little things.  They offered me the most financial support.  It was a great academic school. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  My determination to win.  When I line up, I can’t lose.  If I have a bad play, I don’t get down on myself.  I have the leadership, determination and work ethic.  Other guys look at me.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I played DE.  I didn’t have to drop into coverage.  I am not that far behind after playing in coverage at the National Bowl.  I want to break on the ball and get INT’s.  Be more efficient in pass drops. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

 

Cardell Rawlings:  When I came to Wingate, the program was .500 overall.  The seniors had a lot of playing time my first year.  The following year, we had some other guys who came in, and they held the starting role.  I was the main backup at LB.  The following year, I was an all-conference player my junior season.  Senior year, I did great things.  I broke the school record for TFL’s and sacks.  I was a Harlon Hill award nominee.  I was also a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award.  I was a first team All-Region.  I won defensive player of the year in my conference.  I was second in sacks.  I was third nationally in TFL’s.  I had 87 tackles.  I made D-II CCA All-American first team.  I should be a consensus All-American. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the reason behind your breakout senior season?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I was staying the course.  I knew after my sophomore year that it was possible.  I just had to continue to work hard.  I always had that extra edge.  My work ethic has taken me a long way.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  This season, with all of the accolades I got over time.  I am a male breakout athlete at the school and in the conference.  The game against Lenoir-Rhyne, I had 14 tackles, five TFL’s, two forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks.  Last year, I had a few dynamic games.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?     

Cardell Rawlings:  My defensive line coach is great.  It is hard to match his potential.  He is very passionate about the game.  He wanted us to excel.  He told us to trust the process, keep your eyes on the price and everything will work out. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I like Yannick Ngakoue from the Jaguars, Lawrence from the Cowboys, Aaron Donald from the Rams, Jaylon Smith from the Cowboys and Khalil Mack. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a LB?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  For a LB, you are the captain of the defense.  You have to know everything.  You have to be vocal and hungry.  You have to be willing to give it your all.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from an offense?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I watch film during the week.  I watch formations and different players.  It allows me to know all of the key players and key formations during the game.  I know their tendencies on first, second and third downs.  I pick up on minor things like how the way an OL will move.  I love watching film.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on next season?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  #10 LB Robert Wallace #10, Davion Washington and Matt White at CB.  Offenses don’t throw to their side.  DB/LB Kameron Johnson is the hardest hitter on the team.  He was a co-captain this year. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  The ability to be yourself.  Being loud and wild, eager and hungry.  It is not a sport for someone laid back. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  My parents.  My mom does a great job.  She allows me to focus on me.  She pretty much allowed me to develop my mind. I thank her for that. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I like to draw and go fishing.  I like to go mudding on the ATV’s.  I am intrigued by street art.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I want to open up a performance training facility for different sports. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you? 

 

Cardell Rawlings:  Determined, focused, eager, strong and courageous. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  I am a defensive guy.  I will go with Alabama.  They have a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

 

Cardell Rawlings:  It is between the LA Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Saints are impressive as well.  It is hard to answer that.  It is between those three teams.