Pre-draft evaluations dig deeper than the surface of a prospect’s athletic ability. Often times, a prospect’s character can make or break an evaluation. Although, raw talent can overshadow flaws and justify a team’s reasoning to draft a player. Being able to select a guy you know doesn’t need to be micromanaged makes life a lot easier for a coaching staff and organization.
Pro Player Insiders had an opportunity to catch up with a draft prospect who possesses both raw talent and good character — Rutgers University WR Brandon Coleman. In 38 career games and 26 starts at wide receiver, Coleman is tied for a school-record with 20 career touchdowns. The 6ft, 6 receiver established himself as a deep threat over his career at Rutgers averaging 18.9 yards per reception. He also recorded three of the 10 longest receptions in school history (92, 86, 85).
Brandon Coleman is one of those guys who handles his business on-the-field and stays out of trouble when he removes the cleats. “They should expect me to be one of the hardest workers and be a professional already,” he said of his future NFL team. “The way I carry myself on and off-the-field, they should expect me to mold into a leader on their team and bring positive energy to their locker room.”
It didn’t take long to realize Coleman has an unshakable foundation that’s helped establish himself as a quality person. “Growing up as a child, I was raised by both my mother and my father. I have a older brother and a younger sister. My older brother is the most influential person in my life. Along with my parents and my high school football coach.”
Coleman is a Prince Georges County, Maryland native. He attended one of the top schools and athletic programs in the area — Bishop McNamara. Coleman credits McNamara for helping him develop as a person and football player. “I was there as a young man — they helped mold me and prepare myself for Rutgers,” he said. “I just think they did a great job both academically and athletically — molding me and just helping prepare me for that next step in life. From the teachers to the coaches, everyone really cared about me.”
The former four star recruit had several scholarship offers, including an opportunity to play in-state at the University of Maryland. However, Coleman wanted to experience life away from home, albeit, not too far. “Rutgers wasn’t too far and I could get home if I needed too; and my parents could come to the games,” said Coleman. “Academics — Rutgers has always been tops in APR and graduating rate. As for football, I just liked the direction the football program was headed. For networking — it wasn’t too far from Philly, DC and New York City.”
The foundation of Coleman’s character was evident even when he left for Rutgers University. Coleman considers himself to be an old soul. He doesn’t even use social media. So that pretty much verifies his stance. Not to mention, the younger players at Rutgers gave him the general grandpa nickname ‘pop pop.’ “They look at me like a father figure or their grandfather figure because I’m an old soul and I tell them what to do,” Coleman said. “It just became a joke out of it. I’m always laid back and I do what I’m supposed to do.”
Over the past few month, Brandon Coleman has attempted to position himself as one of the top receivers in the loaded 2014 NFL Draft. “The most rigorous part was preparing for the combine and pro day,” he said. “Right now it’s definitely a lot lighter than it was preparing for the combine and pro day. But it’s been a great experience. I’ve met a lot of people and learned a lot of new things. I’m just excited for it, honestly.”
In Spring 2013, Coleman underwent a “minor procedure” on his knee and was forced to miss all 15 spring practice sessions. After recording 43 catches for 718 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012, his numbers dropped as a junior (34 catches, 538 yds and 4 tds). This forced many to question how healthy his knee really was last season. But Coleman says he is now fully recovered.
“I think the time off from actual football contact the last couple of months has really given me time to heal with the proper treatment and rehab,” he said. “So I think that all plays a part into it.”
Throughout the pre-draft process, Coleman says he wanted to strengthen his lower body. “That was the big question coming out of the season,” said Coleman. “Everyone wanted to know and find out about my knee. So I wanted to strengthen that and cross off any marks on that.” Coleman says he also spent time working on his route running.
At 6ft 6, 220 lbs, Brandon Coleman has a size that towers over most defensive backs. His size helps him in every aspect including as a blocker.
“I’m a very physical player,” said Coleman. “I’m a tall guy. I’m a nice size weight as well. So I play physical. My niche, I guess, is my speed. A lot of people don’t think I’m a fast guy, but my speed is real deceptive. So that’s a part of my game as well.”
I joked with Brandon saying he’s 6ft 6, 220ish and ran a 4.5 forty — no one should be questioning his speed anymore. Brandon laughed and said, “that’s something I had to do.”
Other than his size alone, Brandon Coleman’s physicality could stem from the fact he grew up watching former All-Pro defensive end Jevon Kearse. He, of course, is the guy who was nicknamed “The Freak…” and for good reason. Kearse was a beast in his day.
Other than beastly pass rushers, Coleman has followed a lot of big receivers since he’s been in high school. “I’ve followed Calvin [Johnson] since he played at Georgia Tech and I follow Andre Johnson a lot,” he said. “Those guys I pretty much model my game after.”
Brandon Coleman could be a value pick for an NFL club. He has the rare size that teams covet. But his speed is a trait that will surely entice organizations. Big receivers, often times, have trouble transitioning to the professional level. There’s isn’t one proven reason as to why this happens. But I believe it has a lot to do with speed and fluid hips in and out of breaks. In watching Coleman on film, that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about with his game. He is fluid and can take the top off a defense. When you combine that with his character, I think Coleman is a guy who can definitely make an impact on the next-level.
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