Name: Jarrod Cann
School: Central Connecticut State University
Position: Safety
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 205
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
I had many expectations coming into my final season. A couple of the intangible goals that I set for myself were accepting more leadership roles and making it a goal to build a family relationship with every last one of my teammates, incoming freshmen included. I wanted to be more dependable so my teammates could play with more trust on the field, which in turn, helped us flow as a unit. Also, before the start of camp our coach had us come up with three personal goals and then a few team goals. My personal goals consisted of understanding the entire defense as well as Coach Christ, proving to the Saint Francis commentators I can make plays on the ball, and to earn 80 tackles on the season.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Warlike, Ceaseless, Adaptable.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
As far as my work ethics goes, nothing is going to change. I’m going to continue to push myself to my limits. I’ll focus a little more on the specific drills I’ll be doing at my pro-days. Everything else will remain the same as it’s brought my this far.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
Apart from the obvious, like the type of offense they run, blocking schemes, and personnel groups, I look at WR splits to see if it will give me a tell on how they are going to try to attack us. I watch the end man of the line of scrimmage to get my run or pass key to see how reliable it is. I like to see if the QB is a scanner or stares down his intended WR. I try to watch to see if the QB has a tell on the snap count like licking his fingers before the snap of the ball, just things like that.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
My physical strength probably sets me aside the most because I am able to be more aggressive and physical in the way I play. I’m probably stronger than most Safeties in college and how I conduct myself I’d say. Physically, most Safeties don’t bench 225lbs for 28 reps like I can, and I also translate that on the field. Also, after my mom passed, it put a different kind of fire in my stomach that I don’t think can be matched unless you’ve had the same kind of loss as I. I’m playing for more than myself, I’m determined to live a life she would be proud to see her son living looking down at me.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I truly believe that identification and accepting of your strengths and weaknesses is what allows a person to become the best version of themselves, both personally and professionally. I am very aware in the areas I am weak. If I know my weaknesses, I am able to make adjustments on the field to ensure my weakness do not impact my ability as a player. I am someone who is self-motivating. I am not a guy the coach will have to watch during off season training to ensure he is consistently training nor would he have to worry about me showing up late to team functions. I am an extremely coachable prospect who is willing to grow and be molded into the best athlete possible. I believe that constructive criticism is essential to the growth and development of both rookie and seasoned players. I am confident in my physical abilities. I possess the speed, agility, and instinctive drive necessary to be a successful player on the field.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I am the type of athlete that is confident that I will be an asset to a team and I will strive for nothing less than a yes. I will not accept no for an answer. I am a strong team player who works hard and gives 100% to any and everything I involve myself with. I will continue to push beyond expectations through proper training, both physically and mentally. I hold myself to a high standard and believe that I can meet the standard that is set by the NFL. I am someone who holds themselves to a high professional, physical, mental, and interpersonal standard. I believe that, if given the chance, the NFL will be somewhere I can excel as a player, teammate, and role model. My last name is Cann and I plan to continue to hold that last name in high regard as a successful potential NFL prospect.