Jeremiah Cotton is a class of 2024 Strong Safety and Wide Receiver. Jeremiah plays for his school Madison Prep in Baton Rouge, LA. Standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 167lbs, Jeremiah uses his physicality and knowledge of the game to be one step ahead of the opposing team. Jeremiah was brought onto the team by his teammate and friend Brandon Blunt. Jeremiah spoke very fondly of Brandon who is set to be featured as a D.I.T.R as well.
I got the chance to speak with Jeremiah and ask him some questions about many facets of the game.
When did you start playing football and why did you start playing?
“This is actually my first year playing football for Madison Prep. I was inspired to play by watching players like Tyrann Mathieu as well as my friend and teammate Brandon Blunt.”
What aspect of the game made you fall in love with the sport?
“I like the physicality of football as well as the team aspect. Football is the ultimate team sport so depending on your teammates is necessary for success. If a corner is lockdown but his safety misses his assignment then you can still give up a score. It’s unlike other sports like basketball where one player can win games for a team so I would have to go with teamwork also.”
Who is your favorite player to watch?
“I really enjoy watching Jameson Williams, he is a pro level guy that I really look up to.”
Who do you look up to as a role model?
“Personally I look up to my Mother the most.”
Is there a player that you try to model your game after?
“I try to model my play after Greedy Vance who plays for Florida State.”
What have you learned about yourself from playing football?
“So far I’ve learned that I have a lot of room to grow. When I first got on the field I didnt have it, I was slow and sloppy with my fundamentals but I know that I’ve been improving day to day. I’ve learned that it’s a slow grind but I see the improvements.”
What do you bring to the table for your school Madison Prep?
“I bring everything, but most importantly my grades first. I’m also very coachable as well as a good teammate. I always try to pick my guys up if they are flustered.”
What sets you apart from the other players at your position?
“What sets me apart from other players is that I don’t fear contact. I’m always willing to make a play on the ball.”
What is the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome in your career?
“Keeping my confidence is something I struggled with when I first started playing. I was hard on myself when I messed up but since I’ve started 7-on-7 I’ve begun to overcome that.”
What is your favorite play that you have made?
“One time we were at practice, and I know some people overlook practice but I love it. But I wasn’t having a great day this day until the offense came at us with a vert and a post route. My assignment was to pick up the outside man and I was proud of myself for reading the routes and making a play on the ball or else I we would’ve given up a big play.”
What would you say is your strongest ability on the field?
“When Im on offense I’m good at reading coverages and vice versa on defense. I like that I get to impress people with my knowledge. Even though I’m new to playing football I’ve gained a lot just from watching and playing madden over the years. “
What motivates you to get better every day?
“I’m motivated to get better so my mother doesn’t have to pay for me to go to college. My brother goes to LSU on a full ride so I thought it would be good for me to do that while also playing the sport that I love.”
When looking at a college, what kind of things draw you in to want to go there?
“I look at everything. I look at culture and coaching style but what gets my attention the most is when a school lines up with my morals.”
What kind of goals do you have set for yourself this upcoming season?
“I want to get better in the weight room to show how much I’m willing to work. I also want to keep my GPA up because school always comes first.”
What is your favorite situation to be in on the defensive side of the ball?
“I like being in alert coverage. It sets me up to make a play on routes over the middle where I can get a pass break up or interception.”
