Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Cardell Rawlings: It’s like my utopia. I can be me whether it’s angry , thrilled , excited , or bi-polar(to an extent) they are all very fitting characteristics of a great player.
Joe Gaiter: What is your sports background?
Cardell Rawlings: Football since the age of 6 until present. Played basketball since 7 up until high school. Participated in track and field in both middle school and high school.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Wingate University to further your athletic and educational pursuits?
Cardell Rawlings: Athletically they offered the most to refrain from being a burden to my parents. Academically they were ranked nationally in multiple categories for being highly accredited in various majors.
Joe Gaiter: What were your stats this year?
Cardell Rawlings:
87 tackles
23 TFL
18 sacks
4 FF
2FR
20 QB hurries
3 PBU
1 blocked field goal
Joe Gaiter: How did you become so good at your position?
Cardell Rawlings: Studied players at the professional level that excelled and took note of the things mentioned by my position coach.
Joe Gaiter: What are the keys in playing Defensive End?
Cardell Rawlings: Play fast and under control. Defensive Ends need to react very fast but precisely as well.
Joe Gaiter: What will you miss about playing at Wingate University?
Cardell Rawlings: The brotherhood built between me, the coaches, the players, and most importantly the culture established.
Joe Gaiter: What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
Cardell Rawlings:
-1st Defensive consensus All-American in Wingate Football history (D2, D2caa , AP, AFCA)
-1st ever Super region 2 DPOTY in Wingate football history
-1st ever Don Hansen Super Region 2 DPOTY in Wingate football history
-School record with 18 sacks, ranked second in the nation.
-School record ranking third nationally with 23 tackles for loss.
Joe Gaiter: When is your proday/combine?
Cardell Rawlings: Undeclared currently.
Joe Gaiter: With who and where you are you training?
Cardell Rawlings: Grossetti Performance.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you sign to them?
Cardell Rawlings: Greg Linton , was honest and upfront about everything. Quite blunt but respected.
Joe Gaiter: Which bowl games you have participated in?
Cardell Rawlings:
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College Gridiron Showcase
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DREAM BOWL
Joe Gaiter: Why should a NFL Team pick you over other athletes playing your same position?
Cardell Rawlings:
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need a sack ? Put me in.
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Need me to blitz to create pressure? Send me.
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Need someone to man or guard the slot in coverage ? Assign me
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Need a stand up LB that could play run and not get reached ? Or line up as if I’m about to rush but drop under #1 or #2 in flats ? I’m the guy !
Joe Gaiter: How hungry are you to make it?
Cardell Rawlings: I don’t get to many hours of sleep but wake up feeling well rested because I ponder on it. I’ve gotten upset I’m not there yet, I’ve smiled thinking about the blessing it’ll be to arrive as well.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have a plan B if football doesn’t work out?
Cardell Rawlings: I don’t believe in Plan B because Plan A will work . God forbid Plan A didn’t, Plan B would then become Plan A anyways.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Cardell Rawlings: He never gave up , worked for everything he earned , was great example both on and off the field, very genuine, a winner , & just a ball player eager to be better than he was the day before!
