Cyrus Jones On Getting Drafted By Patriots: 'The Best Feeling In The World'
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots drafted cornerback Cyrus Jones with their first selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he's very excited to be coming to New England.
The now former Alabama corner told reporters that getting drafted by the Patriots is "the best feeling in the world."
Here is a full transcript of Jones' conference call with the New England media, which covers everything from how he plays on the field to his interesting Twitter handle:
Question: What are your initial thoughts on being drafted by the Patriots?
Cyrus Jones: It's the best feeling in the world. I've worked so hard. I can't explain how I feel right now. It's still overwhelming.
Q: What spurred the decision to make the move from wide receiver to cornerback a few years ago?
CJ: Coach [Nick] Saban, you know, we were losing a couple of defensive backs after my freshman year and coach knew that I could play DB and he asked me, would I be willing to try it out for the spring time. I bought in and I just wanted to help the team in any way possible and it worked out for me and the team.
Q: Have you ever seen Coach Bill Belichick down there on campus at Alabama?
CJ: The only time I saw Coach Belichick was the day before Pro Day when I had a short meeting with him. Other than that I'm not really sure.
Q: How much contact did you have with him and how did that meeting before Pro Day go for you?
CJ: The meeting before Pro Day went great. We sat in, it was me and a couple of other players, and we sat in and watched some film from my season and just pretty much talked football and the meeting went great, but prior to that I hadn't had much contact.
Q: Do you feel playing in a lot of high-profile games at Alabama has prepared you for the next level?
CJ: I think it's prepared me a great deal. Playing for Coach Saban – he's a great coach, arguably one of the best, arguably the best in the country – and I've heard many things that he's compared to Coach Belichick and that our program is ran similar to how the Patriots' is run. I feel as though I'm greatly prepared for the next level thanks to Coach Saban and the people I had around me for four years, just getting me ready both on and off the field.
Q: Can you explain what your twitter handle Clamp Clampington means?
CJ: My best friend actually watched one of my games and I had a good game. I forget which game it was and he said that I played so well that it looked like my name should be Clamp Clampington and I just thought it was pretty hilarious at the time and kind of catchy. I ended up changing it on all my social media pages and it just went on from there.
Q: When did you start returning punts at Alabama and will that allow you to get on the field quicker as a pro?
CJ: I returned punts in high school and I was pretty good at it. I just had that knack for just finding creases and being able to see where to cut at and I had good vision always. That ability just increased in college, and as I got more comfortable I started to have more success over time and I had my best year my senior year. I think, like you said, that's going to be a big way for me to get on the field early next season.
Q: Did you play some nickel in college or were you on the outside more?
CJ: I played nickel a good deal in practice but Coach Saban always wanted me on the outside so that's where I predominantly was in the season, and in games I was always pretty much trailing the top receiver for the opposite team, so they would line up on the outside the majority of the time, so that's where I'd find myself. I can definitely play nickel. It's no problem if I have to slide inside.
Q: Is your dad still the head basketball coach at Dunbar High?
CJ: Yes, sir.
Q: Did you play basketball there for him?
CJ: No I didn't attend Dunbar. I attended Gilman School. It's in Baltimore city as well. It's a private school not too far from Dunbar, but I never played for my dad.
Q: Is it going to be difficult for you making that transition from Baltimore up here to New England?
CJ: No, I don't think so. Maybe for the people here living in Baltimore but my family, they're just blessed that my dream came true and I have the opportunity to play for such a great organization, so that wouldn't be a problem.
Q: Did you grow up a Baltimore Ravens fan?
CJ: Yes, sir.
Q: What did you learn in dealing with your arrest last year and what did you tell teams that asked you about it during the draft process?
CJ: I learned a lot from it. Like I said, it's in the past and it was an unfortunate situation, a misunderstanding, but I've moved on and I've just learned you've got to just choose who you're around and just make the right decisions at all times.
Q: Do you think you can play on the outside in the NFL?
CJ: I don't think there's anywhere I can't line up and be successful on the football field. I played outside most of my career at Alabama and I had success. I don't think there's any reason why I can't line up on Sundays and do the same thing, so I feel as though I'm very confident that I can play on the outside.
Q: How are you celebrating being drafted tonight?
CJ: I'm with my friends and family. All of my close friends and most of my family are here just celebrating and just being here to support me.
Q: Who was on the other line when the call came in from the Patriots?
CJ: When the call came somebody from the Patriots personnel – it was all just a blur and then Coach Belichick got on the phone and just welcomed me to the Patriots and the rest is history. It was a moment I'll never forget. I'm extremely grateful.
Q: Do you enjoy the film study aspect of football?
CJ: Yes, I love watching film. I used to get teased a lot at 'Bama by my coaches saying I should have an office where their offices were because I was in the film room so much and up there almost just as much as they were. I love watching film and think that's the key to becoming a better player. There are a lot of players in this league that have physical gifts and talent but you know working hard off the field, I think that's what separates you.
Q: What are your thoughts on watching the New England cornerbacks as a fan the past few years?
CJ: They're just a hungry group. That's what I see when I watch, and you know they're smart. They go out there and they play with a chip on their shoulder every Sunday and that's exactly how I play. I can't wait to meet those guys and just try to earn their respect.
Q: What do you think it will be like playing for Bill Belichick?
CJ: I think it'll be pretty similar to playing for Coach Saban. Probably amped up a little bit more and obviously more intense and more at stake, but I think I've been prepared very well and I know he's a great coach and great guy and I'm just ready to get in there and work hard and earn my spot on the team.
Q: Did you have any indication before tonight that the Patriots were interested in you?
CJ: I knew they were interested but I wasn't sure. I was just waiting patiently. I didn't want to get my hopes up too high. I obviously knew they were interested by just talking to my agents and what not, but when that pick came up I was just praying to God that they would take a chance on me and just that I'd have the opportunity to land at such a great organization. It's one of the best organizations in the whole league, possibly the best, and I couldn't be more happy with where I ended up.