Qwynnterrio Cole

Safety / Alcorn State

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  My height is 6’2, 205.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I have a trainer.  I train at Shabazz fitness in Cordova, Tennessee.  They train elite athletes.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I played basketball a little bit.  I went to Memphis East high school.  They were ranked number one in the nation for basketball.  Penny Hardaway coached the team.  I didn’t want to be just on the bench.  The guys on the team were committed to play at power 5 schools.  I also ran track.  I ran the 400m and 200m.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I played everything.  My main positions were WR and safety.  I played corner at first.   

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  In high school, I was a late bloomer.  I received some buzz my junior year, and my senior season was a major breakout year.  Memphis and a couple of other schools from the American showed some interest.  In the end, I had no power 5 offers.  I got a few SWAC offers. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Alcorn State? 

Qwynnterrio Cole:  Alcorn State was a winning program.  I wanted to continue the legacy. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.           

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I was expecting to play early.  I was working hard.  I felt that I was good enough, but I played mainly on special teams the first year.  Our LB coach became the defensive coordinator.  During my sophomore year, I became the starter.  I was starting the first game.  We played at Southern, and I caught a pick-six.  I have been a starter ever since.  I have been a two time All-American.  I was first team all-conference the last two years.  We have made it to the SWAC championship every year since I have been here.  We won the SWAC my sophomore and junior year.  We want to get back to the bowl game.  We got to finish this year.  We have had a lot of team success, but we don’t plan on stopping. 

Alex Khvatov:  The SWAC canceled its fall football season.  What is your reaction to that news?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  It was discouraging at first.  It was unexpected.  I don’t understand.  All of the bigger schools are playing in the fall.  Students will be allowed back on campus.  We plan to have classes at the school in the fall because not everything is offered online, but we can’t play sports.  You can only control what you can control.  I need to stay focused and stay in shape.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  My playmaking ability is the biggest thing.  I am an all-around player. 

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  Mostly, my transitioning and flexibility.  I have been working on it this offseason.  You can always get faster and stronger.   

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I can’t just isolate one thing.  We lost in the HBCU Championship game the last two years.  Winning the Celebration Bowl would have been the highlight.  Winning the SWAC championship back-to-back isn’t enough anymore. 

Alex Khvatov:  You have a unique first name.  Who named you Qwynnterrio? 

Qwynnterrio Cole:  My mom’s friend named me.  You won’t find anybody with the same name as me.  I am one of a kind.  My nickname is Terrio.  It is my family’s nickname.  Q’Cole is my name around campus.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Qwynnterrio Cole:  Don’t take any play for granted because you never know when it will be your last.  Our coaches instilled it in us.  I watch film and reflect on some things.  I feel that I could have done some things differently in certain situations. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Qwynnterrio Cole:  My favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles.  My favorite safety was Brian Dawkins.  They also had DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  My favorite safety right now is Kevin Byard.  I like his game.   

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  DB Juwan Taylor.  He plays nickel and safety for us.  On offense, receiver LeCharles Pringle.  He had a big time season last year. 

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  #13 Receiver (Elijah Bell) from NC A&T.   

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  Being disciplined and having good eyes.  Your job is to protect the end zone.  If you mess up as a safety, there is an end zone behind us.

Alex Khvatov:  What is it like being that last line of defense?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  It’s fun, but it is a tough position.  It is a challenge.  If you are a competitor, you will love playing safety.  You have to have bad memory because you will mess up on some plays, but you have to let it go.  It is challenging and fun at the same time.  I love the game.  I have been playing since five years old.  Being a DB is the hardest position on the team besides QB.   

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I am a different guy.  I am very humble.  I have never been the flashy guy.  I help others improve.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I have enjoyed the lessons I have learned.  I can’t believe the places that I have been to.  My first time getting on a plane was in college.  I have enjoyed meeting people throughout this game.  There is so much that comes with being a football player, and I cherish every moment.  The fans and the connections. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  I play video games and other sports.  I like to be active.  I play basketball and work on my fishing skills.   

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

Qwynnterrio Cole:  My major is in criminal justice.  I want to get into the law field.  Tax law.  I have family who is in that field.  I also want to start my own business.  Invest in something that will create generational wealth. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Qwynnterrio Cole:  Relentless, selfless, consistent, humble, and disciplined.