During the Fall of 2008, I was a substitute teacher at Towson High School (my alma mater). It was while teaching a cooking class, as I recall, when I met my “nephew.” Well, that’s what I called him anyway. It was my way of establishing a friendship between myself and this high school senior named Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil.
He played football for the school, as did I when I went to Towson, so we had something in common.
But I had no idea how good of a player he was.
Over the years we’ve kept in touch. On one hand, it’s been odd to think that Yannik is where he is. However, when I think about his uncommon drive, it makes total sense.
Yannik went from a high school known for lacrosse, to Division-II Seton Hill, to gaining a scholarship as a rush linebacker on the University of Maryland defense.
This past weekend, he participated in the NFL Combine. Here’s how he measured up:
- 6’2″
- 248 pounds
- 32 5/8″ arms
- 9 3/4″ hands
- 25 bench press reps of 225 pounds
I can honestly say that his “measurables” are that of a starting NFL linebacker. Of course, Cudjoe-Virgil will have to work his tail off to even get drafted, let alone start. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s playing on a NFL field come Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season.
I didn’t just want to write a piece about my friend who’s trying to do something only 1,696 people can do every year (make an active NFL roster), though that in itself is remarkable. I wanted to give you insight into a player who, despite adversity and uphill odds, has made a way.
Now, because of his faith and dogged determination, this former General, Griffin, and Terrapin is close to becoming a professional football player.
Here’s my interview with Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil:
MF: Tell me a little bit about your upbringing and how football became a part of your life.
YCV: My upbringing was about hard work. Working hard was the only way to achieve success. Football has allowed me to expand on the athletic aspect of my work ethic. It’s taught me a lot about life–if you work hard, you reap the benefits.
MF: What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to face in your life?
YCV: Getting injured* during my final two seasons at Maryland. It was disappointing, considering all the hard work I put into getting a starting job. I’m glad I had the support of my teammates and my family. I kept the faith, which allowed me to handle everything much better.
*Cudjoe-Virgil tore a pectoral muscle in 2013 and suffered a foot injury in 2014.
MF: When did you know the NFL was going to be a realistic opportunity for you?
YCV: I always believed I had the work ethic and size and everything to one day, play in the NFL. It really became [apparent] after my junior year. I started getting attention from scouts and people in the NFL after my junior year.
MF: What was the combine like for you? Was it what you expected?
YCV: It was a long process. I met with a lot of teams and went through a lot of tests. It was definitely what I expected, after talking with a lot of people that had been through it before.
MF: What was the most common question you were asked?
YCV: Will I be able to play in coverage in the NFL? I’m confident that I can.
MF: What was the strangest question you were asked?
YCV: I don’t recall any strange questions.
MF: Why didn’t you run the 40 at the combine?
YCV: I’m dealing with tendinitis in my knee.
MF: Will you run the 40 at your Pro Day?
YCV: Yes.
MF: Off the top of my head, I project you to be an early-to-middle of the 5th-round pick. Do you have an idea as to where you’ll be selected?
YCV: My agent has been telling me I might be picked around the 6th or 7th round. However, I’m not really concerned with that. I’m just ready for the opportunity.
MF: Is there a team you think you’d fit in well with?
YCV: It would be easier to go into a situation where the team runs a 3-4 [base defense], since that’s what we ran at Maryland.
MF: What player, if any, do you model your game after?
YCV: Von Miller, Clay Matthews, Justin Houston. The pass rusher is the prominent defensive position in the NFL right now.
MF: What would you like to define your football career?
YCV: Work ethic. I want my work ethic (from high school to the pros) to encourage others to keep working, regardless of what other think of [them].
The 2015 NFL Draft begins with Round 1 on Thursday night, April 30. Rounds 2 and 3 take place on Friday, May 1, with Rounds 4-7 being held on Saturday, May 2.
