Interview With Jerome Couplin III – Road To NFL Safety
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference." –
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
The NFL is filled with good stories, if we just take the time to learn them. But occasionally, a player's biography jumps out of the page and touches the fan base in a way that brings strangers to cheer before the plays are made. The Eagles are blessed with just such a story. He's known to all as Jerome Couplin III. He's know by NFL fans as simply "The Osprey". But hopefully, he'll be known to the Philadelphia Eagles fans as a starting safety.
Couplin's narrative is a story that grabs you and drags you to the edge of your seat. He's been blessed with the physical attributes that screams "NFL safety": at 6' 2", 215 pounds and an intimidating 81 inch wingspan. With his jumping ability, this young man can well time to swat a ball 13 feet in the air away. That's simply amazing.
William And Mary Standout
Jerome Couplin III has made it a point to do it his way. His choice of William & Mary, while not exactly an SEC school, has produced it's fair share of NFL players – the most recent being B.W. Webb in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Webb joined a group of eight former Tribe standouts who are currently on NFL rosters: David Caldwell (New York Giants), Derek Cox (San Diego Chargers), Jonathan Grimes (Jacksonville Jaguars), Mike Leach and Alex Gottlieb (Arizona Cardinals), Sean Lissemore (Dallas Cowboys) and Adrian Tracy (New York Giants). And of course, Jerome Couplin III. The school is third in the state , behind only to the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech in producing NFL caliber talent. His choice of William and Mary was decided in his junior year in his words:
"One of the first schools I talked to my junior year of high school. Showed me I was wanted! Great education, first class program and thought it was a better opportunity to go where I was wanted then to take a preferred walk-on spot. (At the) end of the day, I still managed to get my foot in the door to continue to do what I love!"
The young man nailed pro day with a 41.5 vertical jump, a 4.5 40 yard dash in 32 degree rain, and then turned in an 11' 2" broad jump. But the performance was not witnessed by a nation, but by a handful of NFL scouts who showed up for his performance. He displayed energy, a willingness to learn, and a definitive presence in his college football. But the film room had him competing against less than the nations best, and as a result did not warrant an invitation to the NFL combine. In hindsight, he should have gotten the invitation.
A Young Lion Roars
But Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew did witness his potential, and signed the young man as an undrafted free agent. He made it to the 53 man roster and stayed for seven weeks. He was then waived and was picked up by the Buffalo Bills, only to be waived a week later. He was eventually signed to the Lions practice squad, until he was signed to the Eagles 53 man roster in December 2014.
In comparison, his pro day numbers would have ranked him as one of the top safety prospects in 2014, and coupled with his height, weight, and wing span, places him as a prospect with tremendous potential. He simply needs time and good coaching. The Eagles believed in him, and in the fact that they could supply both.
The Quiet Man
But it's not his arm length nor his jumping ability that grabs at the heart strings. Its the soft spoken quiet commitment to his NFL career that gives a fan pause. He's got perspective, a clear thought of the NFL process to being judged by what he does on the field. It's far too easy to place any young man in the NFL safety position in the mold of Brian Dawkins, and it's unfair to both Dawkins and to Couplin to do so this early in the young man's career. But… it's also unfair to ignore the signs…
He's got heart. He came from William and Mary to the NFL via the undrafted free agent.
He's got talent. He has some incredible potential.
He's got the right perspective. He acknowledges the road is tough, and he knows he has to make the legacy.
Georgia, Georgia
After college, Couplin trainedat the Chip Smith Performance Systems in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Ga. A Chesapeake native with a soft spot for athletes from Virginia schools, Smith has trained approximately 1,300 NFL players over 25 years and has a client list of about 250 current players.
"I absolutely think he has the stuff," Smith said. "He's a great athlete. He would have rated among the top one or two guys at his position if he were at the (NFL) combine getting tested. He's going to get a chance to play. Whether he's drafted or not, nobody knows. There are only 320 guys who get invited to the combine and only 220 guys get drafted. It's a tough row to hoe, but somebody's going to take a chance on him, and when he gets in a camp, he's going to be a hard guy to let go, because of the kind of athlete and kind of person he is."
Couplin is a workout warrior, putting in six hours per day, five days a week at the facility. He spent a couple of hours with former NFL Pro Bowl defensive back Ray Buchanan on technique and ball skills, splitting the remaining time working with Smith on speed and conditioning, with the rest in the weight room lifting.
Training included a lot of 7-on-7 field training, against fellow workout partners such as former South Carolina quarterback and draft hopeful Connor Shaw.
Couplin got sick at the end his senior year and his weight dropped to 193 pounds. By the time he left Smith's facility and Georgia, he had added more than 20 pounds of muscle, all while improving his speed, technique and workout test performances.
He returned again this summer to improve his techniques and footwork. The results from his last session placed his pro day measures in the upper tier of safeties. The results of this year's workout will be seen by one team – the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Safety Solution Is On The Roster
This is a young man who strikes us where we are most vulnerable – in the "Let me show you what I can do" Achilles heel. Each fan of the Philadelphia Eagles knows that greatness begins with the opening of the door. With opportunity, a young man has to step through. It's not given freely. It's given begrudgingly. But it will be given to the right man.
Is Jerome Couplin the right man?
See for yourself. Here's a video of the man with Dave Spadaro just after the Eagles signed Jerome Couplin.
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/videos/videos/Inside-The-Studio-Jerome-Couplin-III/242f5278-7beb-446d-b0b3-778410222cd0
The idea for an interview sprang from the buzz this off-season. When the Eagles failed to sign safety Devin McCourty in free agency, the team was left with the vacuum created by the exodus of now Oakland Raider Nate Allen. The team has safety talent on the roster, but no one player has created much of a buzz so far. Well, just one, but that happened when he was signed out of the blue from the Detroit Lion's practice squad to our 53 man roster.
From that moment, Eagles fans have been scrambling to find out more about the young man from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. So I made it a point to find out:
The Interview
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself: childhood, growing up, etc. (doesn't have to be too in-depth. pretty much what pointed you in the direction of football early in life)
I was born in Washington, DC and raised Upper Marlboro, MD. I have an amazing family and team of supporters; I've been playing football since I was in the 3rd grade. In high school I was a three-sport athlete. I played football, basketball, and ran track.. I grew up around sports. It was in my sophomore year of high school that I realized football could be my ticket to a college and pro career.
(2) You had indicated that it was "a little shocking" when the Eagles signed you to the 53 man roster. What has your experience been with the team so far?
It's been a great experience with such a prestigious organization. It’s a great opportunity for me! I'm looking forward to getting back with the Eagles this off-season. I’m very excited about the upcoming season.
(3) The team has you listed on the roster in the unique position of DB, while you have been described as a safety. From your perspective, are you learning to be an NFL safety, cornerback, or both? Which role are you most comfortable in?
I was brought in as a safety, so that is my main position. However, it never hurts to learn more. I study every position on defense because it helps me do my job better. Overall it's about being valuable to the team and the more you can do to help the team to succeed, the better!
(4) There have been quite a few changes on the Eagles’ roster. Do you see this as business as usual in the NFL, or simply Chip trying to get "Chip" guys?
My job for the Eagles is playing DB, not general manager. If focus solely on what I can control, the rest will take care of itself.
(5) Do you consider yourself a "Chip" guy?
He picked me up from Detroit so I think it’s safe to say yes!
(6) You arrived rather late in 2014, and the idea was to get you on board to integrate you with 2015 training and see where you land. Have you had any sense what role you are competing for in 2015?
We'll find that all out when the off-season program begins and I'm back in the building with the coaches. Either way I'm competing for a roster spot with an ability to contribute just like everyone else!
(7) Safety is a cherished position for Philadelphia fans – due to the history of legendary Brian Dawkins. We also have a pretty good mentor in Malcolm Jenkins. Have either reached out to you? Have any players gone over and above to make you feel comfortable with the Eagles and to help develop your NFL skills and awareness?
Malcolm is my teammate so of course I've talked to him about some things. As you know I was only there for a few weeks and I'm looking forward to working out and learning more from him. As far as Brian Dawkins, not yet but I've been told that he’s in the facility from time to time. I’m sure I’ll be speaking with him.
(8) You are described as "the Osprey" because you have the measurables of someone who has been engineered to play defensive backfield. Is this a blessing or a curse? A blessing in that it gives you the tools to succeed, but a curse in that it immediately raises the bar of expectations in you.
Neither. I still have a lot to prove, but I’m taking it all one day at a time. You make the name, it doesn't make you.
(9) Who is your harshest NFL critic?
I am, by a long shot.
(10) Eagles fans are passionate, very, very passionate. How strong is your passion for football?
I've been playing football since the 3rd grade and football’s my 1st love. Next Question! Lol
(11) What is the one thing you would want the Eagles fans to know about you that they might not know already?
After this interview everything is pretty much out there but if fans have any more questions they can always ask me on twitter ( @WhenInRome14 ) I try to respond to everyone.
(12) If you had the opportunity to work with one Philadelphia Eagles player, past or present, who would that be and why?
That's easy, Brian Dawkins. One of the best to ever play the position!
(13) How tough has it been so far to compete for a roster spot in the NFL? What gives you the motivation, the strength, to compete 100% until a door finally opens and you find yourself on the field starting on opening day?
As undrafted rookie, it's tougher than most people think. I was blessed to have a roster spot on three different teams last year. Looking forward to earning another one this fall. Being undrafted and watching 257 picks go by is plenty of motivation. Making the roster as undrafted rookie pushes me as well, But being a starter in the NFL is a goal I’m still in chasing, and don’t worry that won’t be the only thing I’m pursuing, I have a list of goals I aim to achieve.
(14) We have a bet regarding your starting in 2015. If you do, I will buy your jersey, which will be the first Philadelphia Eagles jersey I have ever bought. Is that too much pressure on you?
No it's not. It's my goal to start, and I will up the bet. If you buy that jersey I will make sure I sign it, but I’m only signing it if I do start. The pressure’s on both of us!
(15) I love your attitude, and the more I've read about you the more I find myself rooting for you. Is there an interview or story about you that you've thought "yeah, that tells my story just the way I want it told" that would give us an opportunity to learn more about you?
It's plenty of articles to look at from my days in Detroit or some pre-draft articles that tell my story up to this point, but the way I want it to be told…it can’t be told, just yet… I haven’t accomplished those goals YET!
(16) It's early yet, but what is your sense about the Eagles chances this year to make the playoffs?
Got to take it one day at a time! Lets worry about taking advantage of the offseason program and training camp. We'll worry about the playoffs when the opportunity arrives.
(17) What message do you want to tell your fans this year?
I'm here to help the team succeed in any way I can!
(18) The book on Jerome Couplin III so far has been "they are expecting me to learn as fast as I can". How do you feel at this point? Are you seeing improvement in your game?
Yes, I can see improvement in my game since entering the NFL, and looking forward to continuing the progression well into this coming season.
(19) You have been quoted as saying that you love to prove the doubters wrong. What about believers? Eagles fans, who have been critical and historically a "show me" fan base, are quietly migrating into your camp – the current word used is "intrigued". But let me translate that for you, it means : "I hope that he does well. I want him to. The team needs him to. I'd work out with him daily if it would make a difference. We've been let down before, but I can't help myself. I want Jerome to succeed wearing our jersey!" Does that motivate you?
Everyone wants an advocate! Everyone loves fan support! Players enjoy it more than fans realize! I've always found it easier to find motivation from my doubters. When you prove them wrong it garners even more support.. and the more, the better! However, the doubters will ALWAYS be my motivation!
It was my pleasure to speak with you!
Some days, you are just left with questions. Today, I think we may have an answer.
