Black and Teal Exclusive Interview: Rookie CB, Rod Issac

Black and Teal is very lucky to be joined today by new Jaguars’ cornerback, Rod Issac. Issac was drafted in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft after playing at Middle Tennessee State University and is expected to bring a lot of athleticism and physicality to the position.

Issac will most likely compete at the Nickelback position, responsible for covering slot receivers, defending the run, and occasionally rushing the passer. Rod has the personality and intangibles to fit seamlessly into the new Jacksonville locker room. Considered “the toughest corner in the draft” by Jaguars’ GM Gene Smith, he is someone to be excited about, both on and off the field.

Thank you, Rod, for taking the time to communicate with us and answer a few questions that are surely on our fans minds. We get to the interview after the jump…

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice someone has given me is to give my all at whatever I do no matter how hard it may get for me. My Grandfather Willard Hall Sr. told me that.

Do you have any favorite moves or music?
I don’t dance I just post up. I like slow music. Chris Brown is one of my favorite artists in the game right now.

What do you like to do when you are not playing football?
In my spare time I enjoy relaxing, watching lots of television. My favorite show to watch is Phineas and Ferb.

One of the writers on our site (Luke Scott) did a write-up of you that included a quote of yours from your Pro Day. You stated the weather had affected your 40 time. How bad was it and whats your fastest 40?
My 40 averaged out to a 4.41 and that was in 48 degree weather. I have ran in the 4.34 to 4.36 ranges normally when I tested in my 40.

Do you think any of the drills that you had to do at your Pro Day really have anything to do with playing football?
I believe those drills showcase ones athletic ability but that’s about it. When it comes down to it in my books it’s either you’re a player or your not.

How did you feel about having to wait until the 5th round to get drafted?
I was sort of angry about having to wait so long, but in the end, it’s not what I feel is best for me, it’s what the Lord feels is best for me. I’m just happy that I get the opportunity to go out and showcase my talents for the Jaguars.

You seem to want to hit as hard as you can every time you hit someone. What makes you want to play that physically from the cornerback position?
Football is a physical game point blank period. From the time I started playing, my coaches would always tell me to be the hammer not the nail and that is just something that stuck with me whether I’m playing corner, linebacker, safety, or punter.

Are you willing to play Special Teams?
Yes very willing. Special players play special teams and I believe that I am truly a special talent.

What are the best and worst parts of your game right now, in your opinion?
I would say the best part of my game is actually my eye control when in coverage. You sometimes see corners with there eyes in the back field instead of on their man as if the quarterback was throwing them the ball. The worst part of my game would have to be my body control I sometimes find myself in weird positions and I have to do a better job of eliminating that from my game.

Is there an NFL corner that you model your game after?
I really like Charles Woodson (Packers, pictured), and Dunta Robinson (Falcons, formerly Texans). Those are two guys that I have been watching for quite a while.

Is the process of choosing an agent difficult?
It’s not difficult at all. As a player you have to make sure you do your research on them like they have done on you.

If the lockout continues (and lets hope it doesn’t) would you want to participate in player organized practices, or would you rather wait until you are under contract?
I would be open to the player organized practices. That would allow me the time to bond with some of those guys and get a good feel for them. I feel like something is better than nothing and sitting back waiting is a bunch of nothing for me right now.