Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart has been a big winner throughout the pre-draft process. The 6-foot-3, 202-pounder put forth an outstanding performance at this year’s Senior Bowl. Hart, who has 33-inch arms, then traveled to the NFL Combine where he had a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-10 broad jump.
Hart recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his showing at the NFL Combine, the feedback he’s since received from scouts, playing man and zone coverage, how he utilizes size to his advantage, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You put forth an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine. You had a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-10 broad. How would you grade your overall performance?
Cam Hart: I think I did well. If I had to assign a letter grade, I would probably go with a B+ or something like that. I didn’t run my fastest 40, but other than that, I was very pleased with the results. I had a very good week in Indianapolis.
JM: Did you hear great feedback from scouts?
Cam Hart: Yes, I did actually. I received great feedback from NFL scouts for my performance at Lucas Oil Stadium. It was nothing but positive reinforcement following my showing and testing results.
JM: You have great size and length for the position at 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds with 33-inch arms. How do you use that to your advantage?
Cam Hart: It just depends on the situation, the down and distance. Obviously, my size helps me a ton in press coverage. I’m able to get my hands on guys a lot easier at the line of scrimmage. Even when certain guys may feel like they’re out of phase, I can still contest the catch point due to my long arms.
I can still get my head turned around and get to the ball. I can create pass breakups with length. I’ve always used size to my advantage. I’ve been playing in the defensive backfield my entire life. I’m very aware of the intangibles I have at my disposal, and I know how to use them.
JM: I want to put you in a fun scenario because you are versatile enough to play man and zone. Say it's 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. Would you rather be manned up on the opposing team's best receiver, or playing zone with a chance to make a play on the ball near the sticks?
Cam Hart: I’d rather be manned up. That’s what I’ve done for the previous three seasons. We spent the majority of our time in Cover 1. That’s what you’ll see on film. We played man coverage. It’s what I’m used to. Of course, I can play zone as well.
Having played in coach Al Golden’s defense, I’ve been able to fit into every scheme. Coach Golden put a lot on our plate. We obviously played a lot of Cover 1. We also played some Cover 2 and Cover 4. We even played a little Cover 6.
I’ll feel very comfortable with whatever scheme I end up in. For the sake of your scenario, I’d choose man coverage.
JM: We love that. Do you approach bigger receivers differently than smaller receivers?
Cam Hart: It depends. I try to approach the mental part of the game in the same manner every single time, but you can’t guard every receiver the same way. You have to use different tools against different receivers.
Certain guys react differently to certain things. I try to be consistent with my technique no matter what. At the end of the day, you need to treat guys differently, especially throughout the game. Once they start reacting and catching up to the things I’m doing, I have to adjust accordingly.
JM: Have you visited any teams in person, or met with them virtually since the combine?
Cam Hart: I have a few meetings coming up. We’re still sorting through my schedule. I have an in-person visit with the Chicago Bears coming up. That’s a local thing. I have another local visit with the Washington Commanders as well. I also have a few Top 30 visits. We’re just sorting through that part of it still.
JM: We've appreciated your time. What kind of impact is Cam Hart going to make at the next level?
Cam Hart: Whatever team drafts me is getting an extremely mature person and player. I’m going to mesh well with the locker room. I eventually want to develop into one of our leaders. I want to be a team captain.
I’m going to approach every day with the same consistency. I’m going to come in with a hard-hat-and-lunchbox mentality. I’m going to attack every day. I can’t wait to be the best teammate. I care about the locker room. I’m going to respect and improve our culture.
