Give former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu credit for two things during his comeback attempt at the Combine — his confidence, and self-awareness.
After completing his on-field drills yesterday, Mathieu was asked by the NFL Network’s Deion Sanders if he thought he’d be able to play outside, since most assume his size has him destined for slot duties.
“I feel like if I was to check somebody like a Calvin Johnson, he’ll make his plays, but I’m definitely going to get mine, too,” Mathieu said, via MLive.com. “He’s going to catch his five balls, but I’m going to get my two turnovers, so we’ll be even.”
Of course, Mathieiu is giving up eight inches and 50 pounds to the Lions star, another significant hurdle he’d have to overcome.
But lest anyone think he’s still too cocky, Mathieu took to Twitter this morning to clear things up.
“You got to understand I have the ultimate respect for Calvin Johnson,” Mathieu tweeted. “He is a freak of an baller & the best in the game but I’m gon compete.”
Mathieu has had his share of issues, but his sensitivity about a relatively innocuous remark proves that he A) has sensitive handlers and that B) he’s taking his need to prove himself as a person seriously.