Cole Herdman
Tight End
Purdue
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Cole Herdman: Height is 6’3 ½, 248 pounds and they had me at 4.88 at the pro day.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Cole Herdman: I was training at Boost Performance in Nashville, Tennessee. I started training there on January 9th and I left on March 1st. I had my pro day on March 5th. Now I am training in Virginia.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your Pro Day performance?
Cole Herdman: It went really well. The highlight for me was my positional workout. I like how I ran my routes. I did well in pass blocking and run blocking. My QB David Blough and I went 11 for 11. I made some good catches. I didn’t put up the fastest times, but I did well in the L-drill and the 20-yard shuttle. I ran really good times. They would have been top times for the TE position at the combine.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback from scouts in general?
Cole Herdman: I met with two scouts before the pro day. I met some after the workout. I should hear back from them soon.
Alex Khvatov: Have you been invited to any local pro days?
Cole Herdman: I will be at the Colts pro day on April 13th.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the College Gridiron Showcase?
Cole Herdman: It was unique and special. I didn’t know a lot about it. I had really great couple of days there. I had lots of interviews. I met ex-NFL athletes and current ones who know how to manage money and talked to us about it. The experience was great. They told us how to prepare yourself for the next level. It was intense. It was good to get back on the field almost right after our season.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Cole Herdman: Out of high school, I didn’t know what sport I wanted to play until the end of my junior season. Ivy League schools, small FCS schools and some MAC schools showed interest. I had Purdue and Virginia Tech. I was choosing between the two of them. I am from east coast. I am from Northern Virginia. It is about 30 minutes outside of Washington DC.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Purdue?
Cole Herdman: My uncle played at Virginia Tech. My entire family went to Virginia Tech. I wanted to go to the Big 10. I like the coaching staff at Purdue. I wanted to go away from home and experience the Midwest. My family was super supportive. They were happy with my decision.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Cole Herdman: I am a consistent person and reliable. I am a laid-back guy. I bring professionalism to whatever I do. On the football field, I have a competitive spirit. I have been playing for a long time. I recognize different coverages. I can find a soft spot in zone coverage. I know how to convert a certain route against different coverages. I can contribute in both run and pass situations. I am a good run blocker.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Cole Herdman: Continuing to work on my speed, get open against man and press coverage. Beating one on one coverage is huge at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Cole Herdman: I redshirted my first year. We had a lot of great TE’s at the program when I was younger. They taught me how to watch film, how to eat right and be a student of the game. I learned a lot. During my redshirt freshman year, I started a few games. I had about 20 catches that season. During my sophomore and junior years, I had more success as a receiving TE. Team wise, we didn’t win many games the first three seasons. Coach Brohm got to Purdue, and I learned his offense. He uses the TE’s really well. I had success in that offense. We won more games and went to a few bowl games.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Cole Herdman: A lot of guys will tell you beating Ohio State this year. My highlight is seeing our team transform from not having a lot of success to winning a lot of games. I got a taste of that at the end of my career.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Cole Herdman: Going to back-to-back bowl games the last two years. We had seven wins combined the first three years.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Cole Herdman: How important the TE is in an offense. Brian Brohm has shown how teams can use the TE. The TE can be a big factor in the receiving game and the run game.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Cole Herdman: Growing up, I rooted for the Redskins. They were a local team. I didn’t have a favorite team in middle school or high school. I don’t have one now.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Cole Herdman: Guys like Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. I like watching them.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
Cole Herdman: Being able to do more. You have to be a good blocker and a receiver in the NFL. They want a guy that can stay the entire series. You have to be able to flex as a receiver and block as an OT.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Cole Herdman: I see the front and where the linebackers are. I look at the coverage and scan the field.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Cole Herdman: Keep an eye on my best bud TE Brycen Hopkins. #4 WR Rondale Moore, LB Markus Bailey and #9 NT Lorenzo Neal.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Cole Herdman: I have played against great DE’s. This year, it was Chase Young from Ohio State. DE Shilique Calhoun from Michigan State was also a great player a couple of years ago.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Cole Herdman: The experiences that you have with your teammates. Football teaches you a lot and brings people together along the way. It is fun to score TD’s, but the people you meet goes a long way.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Cole Herdman: Someone who does the right thing when no one is looking.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Cole Herdman: I love to travel. I was able to travel with my family before I went to Purdue. I traveled around the US and Mexico. I like to discover new places and cultures.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Cole Herdman: I pride myself on being a competitive person. I want to go into medical or pharmaceutical sales. I want to be able to stay in touch with athletes and trainers.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Cole Herdman: Competitive, passionate, loyal, kind and gritty.
