Tavion McCarthy Draft Networking Interview: 'I’m Not Going To Let Anybody Down' (Interviews)
Interviews

Tavion McCarthy Draft Networking Interview: 'I’m Not Going To Let Anybody Down'

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Mercer cornerback Tavion McCarthy dropped jaws at his Pro Day by leaping a 44-inch vertical. It was the fifth-highest vertical jump recorded by a defensive back since 1999, according to Brett Kollmann. McCarthy also displayed terrific strength by posting 23 reps on the bench press.

McCarthy recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his Pro Day performance, playing the nickel position at the next level, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.

JM: You recently had a 44-inch vertical at Pro Day. That's wild. It's the fifth-highest vertical recorded by a defensive back since 1999. How thrilled were you with the Pro Day performance?

Tavion McCarthy: I felt very blessed. I give all glory to God. It was a beautiful thing. It felt like the culmination of all the hard work I’ve put in. It was achieved over a long period of time. Hard work pays off. I was ready to display my abilities on a big stage.

I also set another record by finishing in the top 10 of bench press reps. I thought that deserved some attention as well (laughs). I put up 23 reps on the bench press. Us cornerbacks are typically smaller framed and can’t put up that many reps. 

The stronger you are, the better you can play. I proved that on a big stage at Pro Day. I was thrilled with my broad jump as well. It all felt like a huge blessing.

JM: Have you noticed an uptick in attention you're receiving from NFL teams since then?

Tavion McCarthy: I’ve had great contact with the Steelers. I also received an invite to the Bears’ local day. It’s all happening for me right now. It feels like a huge blessing. I’m getting some attention.

The Colts and Buccaneers have also been in contact. There’s some buzz behind my name right now.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You recorded 54 tackles this season. You also had five pass breakups, three tackles for loss, and two interceptions. What is it about your skill set that allows you to always be around the ball?

Tavion McCarthy: I feel like I’m a very instinctual player. I have a quick trigger and I react to the action around me. I’m very detail-oriented when I’m on the field. I want to dictate the action to the point where the game slows down for me.

When you’re playing backside cornerback, you better have all of the intangibles to play that position. You’re fitting the run and defending the pass from that spot. You have to be a dog on that backside. You have to command respect from that position so they’re not throwing the ball at you all game long in one-versus-one situations.

I’m instinctual and explosive. I have a quick trigger and I make good decisions. I benefited our defense in the right way.

JM: Do NFL teams see you playing the nickel at the next level?

Tavion McCarthy: Yeah, they definitely do. A lot of teams know I can fit the run. I’ve always gotten great feedback for my ability to defend the run from the nickel. I’m an efficient tackler. On top of that, I always played man coverage in college.

It’s going to be a great opportunity for me. Everybody knows the nickel position is basically a starting position on NFL defenses nowadays. It’s important to have a nickel that can defend the run and the pass. I’m that kind of player. I can accomplish those things for a defense.

JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Tavion McCarthy?

Tavion McCarthy: I’m the first one in and the last one out. I’ve always believed that hard work pays off. I’ll never let adversity defeat me. I’ll always battle through. That’s been my approach my entire life.

I’m going to continue doing that for an NFL team at the next level. Whether I’m the waterboy, playing on special teams, or have a prominent role on defense, I’m always going to put my best foot forward. I’m confident in my ability to play every position at a high level.

I’m going to run with my opportunity. I’m not going to let anybody down.



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