Name: Mike-lee Joseph
School: Sacred Heart University
Position: DB (Safety)
Height: 6-1
Weight: 195
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Going into every season I set individual goals that I felt would lead our defense to success. These goals would be specific to my role and influence. To be named an All-American and All-conference selection safety. After reflecting back on the season I checked off one of my goals and fell short of the other which affected my team and defense.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe I’ve imprinted my name and reputation as a player who puts in the work day in and day out and loves the sport deeply. I am a living proof that hard work pays off. My passion and emotions are very well felt and shown on the field and it gravitates to my teammates and other players. Allowing me to affect the game and my teammates deeply. With a very coachable approach I believe I change any position group room with a high football IQ and make my teammates as well as myself more comfortable on the field. Allowing me to be a game changer/manager.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
While watching film, I like to watch under multiple circumstances with primary focuses. So for instance if I were breaking down practice film I would watch every play first checking the play and identifying if I did my job thru a thing I like to call (CAKE) (assignment, alignment, keys, and tech ) once I’ve checked off whether I did so on every play I would then rewatch the whole practice with the breakdown of formations that I am seeing and noticing my reactions to each depending on what play we are in I would evaluate what I would call or check into. This allows me to cut the thought process time when I do go back on the field the next day. I do this for every play. Now for the last time reviewing this exact film I am watching and evaluating my footwork and eyes this is primarily just for my technique and this is where the difference of a big play and non big play usually happen for myself. As for watching opponents game film which is a bit more extensive being that I watch this more times throughout the week. I always start with watching the other team’s kickoff unit. As I know the kind of intent and impact teams are coming out against opponents with depending on who and how each player performs on kickoff. Next, my first take of the opposing offense is usually of specific cut ups. I like to establish comfort with what formations or tendencies of plays teams like to run on first and second down and how other defenses react. Knowing what to expect and calling things out can affect a drive and can set the moment and comfort for the whole defense. After watching first and second down I then watch my matchup and how he attacks every play and every route. This is a specific cut up as well. I know know what plays to expect and route combination and how this specific player runs them. After these two cut ups. I then would watch 3rd and 4th down cut ups and identify package changes and where key players are identify what packages and coverages I can expect to be in and how it would play out. Now after these cut ups and breakdowns I can watch individual games on a day to day basis and see the tendencies of the drives with these broken down notes.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
The quality that separates me from other pro athletes besides my size and physique is my football IQ and natural maturity/leadership. My ability to understand a playbook and pick up on formations and tendencies allows me to adapt and play fast/comfortable under many circumstances. My communication and relationships with my teammates allows me to get the most out of them and allows me to impact any team or room.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
While training daily with my hometown trainer in CT. I also take trips to position specific and agility specific trainers in New Jersey as well as down south.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My abilities to be a verbal and physical example of hard working leader. A lion in the room. The passion that I carry for anything I do is strong and clear especially on the field because my love is for football but it carries in life as well. My spirit and drive to be the best takes over the room and pushes everyone to give there all or gives purpose. Besides my God given abilities I feel this is the biggest impact that I carry that allows me to stand out no matter where and with who.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Throughout my years of playing this sport I have built a love for the process and a passion for the product. I am a player who will affect any organization in many different factors. Regardless the circumstances I am a hungry player who is ready to attack everyday head on with the goal of getting myself and everyone around me 1% better. My passion and presence will affect any room aside from my physical abilities which will also do the same and speaks for itself. I am the guy who can cause change with a drive and energy that flourishes.