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TSR Inside Look: Interview With Eagles Safety Jerome Couplin III
By Dustin Habecker
The biggest positional need on the Eagles’ roster was safety heading into the offseason. Devin McCourty was the only targeted safety in free agency that the Eagles had serious interest in, so it comes as no surprise that the Eagles still have a void at the safety position after watching Devin McCourty re-sign in New England. Could the answer be Earl Wolff, the third year safety out of North Carolina State, who has been hampered by the injury bug the past two years? Or could it be one of the Eagles’ draft picks? It very well could be either of those options, but their is one other person who could very well push for the open safety spot: Jerome Couplin III
Here is a little background on CouplinIII. Couplin III went to the smaller Division I school of William and Mary. After going undrafted in 2014, he signed with the Detroit Lions, but was then signed by the Buffalo Bills, who waived him a week later on November 11th. Couplin III then re-signed with the Lions. Less than a month later however, the Eagles claimed Couplin III and he has been in Philadelphia ever since. What drew the Birds to Couplin? He has all of the physical tools that Chip Kelly covets. He is 6′ 2″ tall, weighs right around 215 pounds, and has, get this, an 81 inch wingspan. Pair those physical traits with his athleticism (4.5 40-yard dash, 41.5 inch vertical, 11.3 foot broad jump which would be the best among safeties this year), and you have a player who looks very impressive on paper.
While playing well during his junior year, Couplin really started to shine as a Senior. During his senior year at William and Mary (he was named a team captain), he earned 1st team honors in the CAA and was also named an ECAC All-Star. His stats were impressive. 113 tackles, of which 70 were solo, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, of which he took back for a touchdown. While he did in fact play at a smaller school, you can see that the stats, along with his imposing size and his above average athleticism, are quite impressive. Read the following interview, to get to know who Jerome Couplin III as a person and as a player, because he very well could be pushing for the starting spot alongside Malcolm Jenkins come August.
Below is the dialogue between Jerome Couplin and I. The questions I asked are in bold and his response is italisized.
DH: What is the biggest thing that you learned while playing at a smaller Division I school in William and Mary? Did it have any benefits over playing for one of the bigger Division I schools?
JC: The biggest thing? No matter where you go, if you play well, you will land on somebody’s radar. Playing big-time D-1 schools puts a huge chip on your shoulders because you were passed up by them coming out of high school. I’d say it’s akin to being an undrafted free agent in the NFL. I got a bunch of chips on my shoulders. In spite of that, I got into W&M, received a great education, and it provided me with an amazing opportunity to make it to the NFL!
DH: Describe Chip Kelly’s ideal Safety and how do you fit into what he is looking for?
JC: A guy that can cover and is versatile. He wants guys back there that can step up and take on multiple roles when needed. He wants players that are smart, able to communicate effectively, and possess good size and speed. I fit the bill.. I’m a long, rangy guy that can cover lots of ground. He recognized my potential, enough to come and get me at the end of last season. I won’t disappoint!
DH: What were some of the area’s that you looked to improve upon during the offseason?
JC: My footwork and hand-eye coordination. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my game.
DH: How do you feel the additions of Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond III will impact the secondary?
JC: Instantly. It’s a huge impact when you add savvy, experienced veterans with vets like Malcolm Jenkins. Us young guys can learn a lot from them. Definitely an added bonus.
DH: Are you looking forward to any particular game the most in the 2015 Season? Perhaps the Thanksgiving Day game against Detroit?
JC: I’m looking forward to the entire season and the chance to get back on field! Of course, three games stand out.. former teams in Detroit and Buffalo and going home (MD) to face Washington. I can’t wait!
DH: If you had to pick a word or two to describe yourself, what would it be? And then please elaborate.
JC: Determined!!! I say determined because I’m self-driven and will put in the work to accomplish the goals I’ve set for myself. And, I LOVE proving my doubters wrong! 2 Chronicles 15:7 says it best, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”I hope this interview gives all of the Eagles fans on Top Sports Report a glimpse into the player and the person who will be competing for a roster spot, and potentially a starting spot, come August. Thanks again to Jerome Couplin and his agent Chris Coy.
Follow @DustinHabecker
By Dustin Habecker
The biggest positional need on the Eagles’ roster was safety heading into the offseason. Devin McCourty was the only targeted safety in free agency that the Eagles had serious interest in, so it comes as no surprise that the Eagles still have a void at the safety position after watching Devin McCourty re-sign in New England. Could the answer be Earl Wolff, the third year safety out of North Carolina State, who has been hampered by the injury bug the past two years? Or could it be one of the Eagles’ draft picks? It very well could be either of those options, but their is one other person who could very well push for the open safety spot: Jerome Couplin III
Here is a little background on CouplinIII. Couplin III went to the smaller Division I school of William and Mary. After going undrafted in 2014, he signed with the Detroit Lions, but was then signed by the Buffalo Bills, who waived him a week later on November 11th. Couplin III then re-signed with the Lions. Less than a month later however, the Eagles claimed Couplin III and he has been in Philadelphia ever since. What drew the Birds to Couplin? He has all of the physical tools that Chip Kelly covets. He is 6′ 2″ tall, weighs right around 215 pounds, and has, get this, an 81 inch wingspan. Pair those physical traits with his athleticism (4.5 40-yard dash, 41.5 inch vertical, 11.3 foot broad jump which would be the best among safeties this year), and you have a player who looks very impressive on paper.
While playing well during his junior year, Couplin really started to shine as a Senior. During his senior year at William and Mary (he was named a team captain), he earned 1st team honors in the CAA and was also named an ECAC All-Star. His stats were impressive. 113 tackles, of which 70 were solo, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, of which he took back for a touchdown. While he did in fact play at a smaller school, you can see that the stats, along with his imposing size and his above average athleticism, are quite impressive. Read the following interview, to get to know who Jerome Couplin III as a person and as a player, because he very well could be pushing for the starting spot alongside Malcolm Jenkins come August.
Below is the dialogue between Jerome Couplin and I. The questions I asked are in bold and his response is italisized.
DH: What is the biggest thing that you learned while playing at a smaller Division I school in William and Mary? Did it have any benefits over playing for one of the bigger Division I schools?
JC: The biggest thing? No matter where you go, if you play well, you will land on somebody’s radar. Playing big-time D-1 schools puts a huge chip on your shoulders because you were passed up by them coming out of high school. I’d say it’s akin to being an undrafted free agent in the NFL. I got a bunch of chips on my shoulders. In spite of that, I got into W&M, received a great education, and it provided me with an amazing opportunity to make it to the NFL!
DH: Describe Chip Kelly’s ideal Safety and how do you fit into what he is looking for?
JC: A guy that can cover and is versatile. He wants guys back there that can step up and take on multiple roles when needed. He wants players that are smart, able to communicate effectively, and possess good size and speed. I fit the bill.. I’m a long, rangy guy that can cover lots of ground. He recognized my potential, enough to come and get me at the end of last season. I won’t disappoint!
DH: What were some of the area’s that you looked to improve upon during the offseason?
JC: My footwork and hand-eye coordination. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my game.
DH: How do you feel the additions of Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond III will impact the secondary?
JC: Instantly. It’s a huge impact when you add savvy, experienced veterans with vets like Malcolm Jenkins. Us young guys can learn a lot from them. Definitely an added bonus.
DH: Are you looking forward to any particular game the most in the 2015 Season? Perhaps the Thanksgiving Day game against Detroit?
JC: I’m looking forward to the entire season and the chance to get back on field! Of course, three games stand out.. former teams in Detroit and Buffalo and going home (MD) to face Washington. I can’t wait!
DH: If you had to pick a word or two to describe yourself, what would it be? And then please elaborate.
JC: Determined!!! I say determined because I’m self-driven and will put in the work to accomplish the goals I’ve set for myself. And, I LOVE proving my doubters wrong! 2 Chronicles 15:7 says it best, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”I hope this interview gives all of the Eagles fans on Top Sports Report a glimpse into the player and the person who will be competing for a roster spot, and potentially a starting spot, come August. Thanks again to Jerome Couplin and his agent Chris Coy.
Follow @DustinHabecker
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