Mercardo Anderson
Cornerback / Henderson State

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Height: 5’10, weight: 193 and 40 time: 4.44.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Houston, Texas at Athletic Connections.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Did you conduct a Mock Pro Day? What were your overall testing results?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  L-Drill: 6.87, 5-10-5: 4.09, 40: 4.44, bench press: 21 reps, broad jump: 9’10 and vertical jump: 36-in.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Coming out of high school, I had no offers or schools interested in me.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Henderson State?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  I chose Henderson State because of the history they have of winning and the standard that the players are being held here are amazing.  Also had a man from my hometown by the name of Earnest Rhône stepped on the same field who soon went to the NFL and played for the Miami Dolphins.  Showed me that no matter where you are from, you can make dreams come true.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  My strengths are being able to bring the juice each day, those days where no one else is feeling it.  I would come along and pick them up and get them going.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Areas that I am trying to improve are being able to read the quarterback faster in most zone coverages, and know where his reads are beforehand. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

 

Mercardo Anderson:  I walked on at Henderson State in 2015, where we won a conference ring that year.  I struggled with playing time along the way because of the depth and skills we had on the team.  I soon had a breakout season my junior year where I finished third on the team in tackles.  Following that year, my senior year I racked up all over the stat sheet.  I finished with 88 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.  This led to me being 1st team All-Conference, 1st team All-Region and also a Division-II All-American.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Most definitely fighting for a spot on the field.  Most would say a play they made, but I must say it has to be the adversity I faced.  This molded me into the player I am today.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  I am proud of graduating college and being able to further my education, something most people don’t get the opportunity to do.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  One thing I took was coming to work every day with the same mindset of being better than I was the day before.  Coach would always say consistency is the key.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  I believe technique, being able to stay square at the line in man to man coverage, or having your eyes in the right spot in a zone coverage play a factor in technique.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Dallas Cowboys. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Stephon Gilmore.   

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Playing outside backer, I want to know if the tackle is run blocking down or if he is pass setting.  This allows me to know if I need to drop in coverage or set the edge.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Chase Lodree and L’Liott Curry.   

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Jalen Tolliver, dude was a great receiver who was picked up by the NFL and XFL.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  The preparation, being able to get myself in the best shape of my life to go out and do what I love.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Fishing, lifting weights and playing lots of Madden.

 

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

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Become a business man, and to be able to own my own business.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

Mercardo Anderson:  Hard worker, dedicated, fearless, ambitious and undeniable.