Jalin Burrell
Cornerback
New Mexico

 

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

 

Jalin Burrell:  6’0, 200 pounds and 4.56/4.57 at the pro day.    

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Jalin Burrell:  I was training at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA.  I am from Riverside, CA.  I also trained at XPE with Tony Villani before the NFLPA Bowl.  I did some DB work there.  Now I am training back at the school. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your Pro Day?  Were you happy with the results? 

 

Jalin Burrell:  I was happy with the results.  I wish I could have run faster, but 4.5 is a good time.  I am a bigger corner.  Everything else went pretty well.  I was very happy with my vert.  I was doing 34 or 35 during training.  I did 37.5 my last day on the vert.  I was able to get 37-inches during the pro day.  I improved a lot.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about your experience at the Regional Combine in Kansas City, Missouri.          

 

Jalin Burrell:  I was performing in front of 32 NFL teams.  It was kind of a rush to get to the 40.  It was cool.  It was a short warmup with the trainer.  We had about 30 guys there.  There was a scout for every guy.  I only did the 40 and went through the positional drills.  I thought that they went well.  I thought that I did extremely well considering that my pro day was the day before.  My agent and I decided that that it would be best to do it back-to-back.  It was another opportunity to work out in front of scouts.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your NFLPA Bowl experience?

 

Jalin Burrell:  It was a beautiful experience.  I got a lot of feedback.  Darrell Green got on me about my feet movement.  He gave me feedback about my press technique and my movement.  It was great to be around such experienced people. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing you took away from the all-star game?

 

Jalin Burrell:  Literally, I found out what it would take to be a pro at the next level.  This all-star game gave you a sneak peek into that life.  Everything was around the clock.  I had to be prepared for what is to come.  You were getting up early and going to bed late. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you faced during the NFLPA Bowl?

 

Jalin Burrell:  WR Jeff Smith from Boston College.  He was crafty and he used his speed well.    

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

Jalin Burrell:  In high school, I played the rover position.  I had nice looks coming out.  USC, San Diego State and Iowa State.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at a junior college?

Jalin Burrell:  I didn’t have the grades.  I didn’t realize my opportunity.  I played both ways my first year at a junior college.  I played WR and DB.  I made the transition to DB full time during my second year. 

    

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to New Mexico? 

 

Jalin Burrell:  New Mexico recruited me as a receiver.  It was just a loyalty thing with the coaching staff. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Jalin Burrell:  Physicality, athleticism, press technique and my competitive nature.  I will not back down.    

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

Jalin Burrell:  Technique at corner.  I am new to this position.  I have come a long way with my technique the last two years.      

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

Jalin Burrell:  When I got here, there was a lot of buzz around the program.  There is no NFL team in this area.  People are excited about our program.  Coach Davie is a good guy.  Coaches here have helped me make a smooth transition to corner.    

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

 

Jalin Burrell:  We expected to win more games.  I became the number one corner here.  The coaches threw me in there and trusted me.  They believed in me even though I was new to the position.  I was playing against No.1 receivers like Christian Kirk, Michael Gallup and KeeSean Johnson. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Jalin Burrell:  Continuing school no matter what.  I should graduate in May.  I am an all-around guy.    

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

Jalin Burrell:  When things aren’t going your way, continue to be resilient in moments like that.  We started off well in both seasons, but things didn’t go too well in the second half. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Jalin Burrell:  Growing up, I was a Ravens fan.  My dad rooted for them.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Jalin Burrell:  Patrick Peterson.  He came in as a raw athlete and developed his technique.  He is looking like a future HOF.  If you work hard, it could happen to anyone.  Always work on your technique and strive to be the best.   

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

Jalin Burrell:  Short memory.  Things will happen that you can’t control, but you have to move on to the next play.      

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

Jalin Burrell:  I look at the formation.  I studied that receiver during film sessions that week.  I know what routes he likes to run and the releases that he will give me.  Eyes on hips, and I look if the QB is peaking at me.    

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

Jalin Burrell:  Keep an eye on Elijah Lily, Jay Griffin, QB Tevaka Tuioti and DT Aaron Blackwell.      

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Jalin Burrell:  Michael Gallup from Colorado State.  He was an all-around guy.  There is a reason why he was the starting receiver for the Dallas Cowboys as a rookie this year.      

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Jalin Burrell:  I like the preparation throughout the week.  You work for the ultimate goal to get the win on gameday.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Jalin Burrell:  A leader is someone who is consistent on and off the field. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Jalin Burrell:  I watch football and sports 24/7.  I also play video games to get my mind away from it all.  I like to watch astronomy videos.  I am into astrology.   

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

Jalin Burrell:  I want to get into real estate.  I also want to get another degree in astronomy and get to Florida’s airspace.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Jalin Burrell:  Passionate, devoted, caring, driven and charitable.