One of the best ball-hawks in the 2012 NFL draft is former Vanderbilt cornerback, Casey Hayward. The three-year starter is a veteran of SEC battles and held his own against receivers such as, A.J. Green and Alshon Jeffery. Hayward had a solid showing in the Senior Bowl and hopes to continue his positive momentum at the Scouting Combine. I recently interviewed this talented cornerback to find out more about his game.
Denis Krusos: Why did you decide to go to Vanderbilt? You are from Georgia, why not be a Bulldog?
Casey Hayward: I wanted very much to play in the SEC. Georgia did not offer me a scholarship. The combination of playing in the SEC and the academics of Vanderbilt was appealing to me.
Denis Krusos: You are 5’ 11” and 188 lbs, what is your game plan when covering big receivers like A.J. Green and Alshon Jeffery?
Casey Hayward: If you watch film then you will know where they are going. You also have to be physical with them no matter what size they are.
Denis Krusos: What type of coverage (press man, off-man or zone) do you think you are best at?
Casey Hayward: I am best at off-man and zone because I can use my instincts best. It enables me to jump routes and see the quarterback.
Denis Krusos: You have a knack for making interceptions and breaking up passes, why are you such a ball hawk?
Casey Hayward: The key is watching film and knowing where a guy is going beforehand. It also helps that I played quarterback in high school. I am familiar with how a quarterback thinks and this has helped my instincts for defending the pass.
Denis Krusos: What did Raheem Morris work with you on at the Senior Bowl?
Casey Heyward: He worked with the defensive backs for only a couple of days. His main emphasis was you couldn’t take a down off. You need to focus on every play. That is what it means to play like an NFL guy.
Denis Krusos: Which receiver impressed you the most at the Senior Bowl?
Casey Heyward: Joe Adams was really quick and shifty. It was hard to get your hands on him. Jeron Criner has excellent hands and he is fast enough. If the ball touches his hands then he will catch it.
Denis Krusos: Which quarterback impressed you the most at the Senior Bowl?
Casey Heyward: We weren’t able to really watch what the quarterbacks were doing much during the week. The quarterback that impressed me the most during the game was Nick Foles. He made some smart decisions and checked down at the right time.
Denis Krusos: How much film study of opposing receivers did you do in college?
Casey Heyward: Quite a bit. D.J. Moore and Myron Lewis showed me the ropes when I arrived at Vanderbilt. They emphasized to me that film study was important.
Denis Krusos: Do you enjoy playing football?
Casey Heyward: Very much so. I like going one-on-one against a receiver. I like the competition on every down. I am a competitive person in everything I do.
Denis Krusos: What do you not like about football:
Casey Heyward: I really like everything about football. I get up early to watch film and workout. I do not believe that you can be successful unless you like what you do.
Denis Krusos: What realistically do you think you can run the Forty in at the combine? And how important do you believe a track time is?
Casey Heyward: A realistic time for me is a 4.4 Forty. I think the Forty-yard dash time is important to some degree, but it does still come down to playing football. I can cover a receiver that is faster than me if I know where he is going. Some guys may run a 4.3, but they can’t play football. If a guy can run a 4.3 and play football then he is going to be tough to stop.
Denis Krusos: Has former Vanderbilt corner and current Chicago Bear, D.J. Moore, given you advice?
Casey Heyward: I talk to D.J. and Myron Lewis. They both told me not to stress out over this process. They told me I am a good player and everything will work out in the end.
Denis Krusos: Are you a big weight room guy?
Casey Heyward: I put my time in the weight room. I can bench press 345 pounds, clean and jerk 305 pounds and squat 500 pounds.
Denis Krusos: Do you have any goals as far as the NFL is concerned?
Casey Heyward: Definitely. I want to contribute right away on special teams and learn the system. I want to be an All-Pro one day and leave my mark.
Denis Krusos: Were you a fan of an NFL team growing up?
Casey Heyward: I am a big fan of football and had to root for my home state, Atlanta Falcons.
Denis Krusos: What are your interests other than playing football?
Casey Heyward: Watching basketball and playing video games.
Denis Krusos: What car do you plan on buying after signing your first NFL contract?
Casey Heyward: I have been indecisive, but I have narrowed it down to either a Range Rover or a Challenger.
Denis Krusos: What is your favorite movie?
Casey Heyward: That is tough because I like so many movies. I will have to go with the Dark Knight.
Denis Krusos: What is your favorite TV show?
Casey Heyward: The First 48 on A & E.
Denis Krusos: Thank you for your time and good luck with your NFL career.
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