Colorado State cornerback Chig Anusiem put forth an outstanding performance at Pro Day. Anusiem ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.3s. He also had a 37.5-inch vertical. A cornerback with outstanding size for the position, Anusiem has received extra attention from teams since then.
Anusiem recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his Pro Day showing, which teams are showing interest in his services, playing press-man coverage, and more.
JM: You put forth an outstanding performance at Pro Day by running a high 4.3 40. You also had a 37.5-inch vertical. How satisfied were you with the performance?
Chig Anusiem: I was very satisfied with the performance in truth. I put in the time and work. We started working towards the pre-draft process in early December as soon as my season ended. I was very excited to see the final numbers at Pro Day.
JM: You should be proud of the numbers. Have you noticed an uptick in attention you're receiving from NFL teams since then?
Chig Anusiem: Yeah, I for sure am. I think running the 40 in the 4.3s caught some scouts by surprise. I’ve been talking to a lot more teams since the Pro Day. I’ve been pretty busy these last few weeks. It’s been a great development for me.
JM: You also have great size for the position at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds. How do you use size to your advantage in coverage?
Chig Anusiem: I love using length to my advantage. That’s probably my main asset in coverage. It’s easy for me to get my hands on people, and to stay with them. I feel very comfortable in man coverage. I think it shows on tape.
JM: So are you more of a man-cover guy than a zone-coverage cornerback?
Chig Anusiem: Yeah, I’d say I am. We definitely played a ton of zone coverage at Colorado State as well though. That was part of our defensive scheme this past season. I am more comfortable with man coverage though.
JM: You totaled 93 tackles and 12 PBUs in two seasons at Colorado State. What is it about your game that allows you to always be around the football?
Chig Anusiem: I’d mention my football IQ first and foremost. I have a knack for making plays on the ball. I do a good job identifying opportunities and tendencies on tape from watching quarterbacks. I have a good feel for where they want to go with the football.
I feel good about being matched up one-on-one. Teams will typically shy away from throwing the ball in my direction. I can take one side of the field away. I love making plays on the ball when they test me.
JM: I'm sure you'd also like to turn some of those PBUs into more interceptions. How are you working towards that?
Chig Anusiem: Honestly, that’s just about doing more drill work that involves the football. I’ve been doing that all offseason. I’m keeping that ball around me. A lot of times when I was training in the past, it was about my footwork. Now I’m doing a better job implementing the ball into my training. Everybody wants to make plays on the ball at the next level. I’m working towards that.
JM: Have you met with any teams, either through pre-draft visits, or virtual meetings?
Chig Anusiem: I had an in-person visit with the Denver Broncos. I visited with the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins as well. The 49ers were a local day thing because I previously played in California. I recently met virtually with the Patriots and Cardinals.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Chigozie Anusiem going to make at the next level?
Chig Anusiem: I’m looking to make an instant impact. I want to play on both special teams and the defense as a rookie. I think I bring a special type of physicality to the game, especially in press-man coverage.
I’m going to make an exciting transition to the league. I can’t wait to get to work.
