Interview: 2023 Louisiana Athlete Jeremiah Vessel is a Legit P5 Cover Corner
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is no better feeling for a defensive coordinator than knowing you have a guy on your roster who can take four-star caliber receivers out of the game. When University Lab prepared for a game during the 2020 season, all they had to do is identify the other team’s top playmaker in the passing game and then stick Jeremiah Vessel on him. During the Cubs 9-2 season in 2020, Vessel did not disappoint.
At 5-11, 185-pounds, Vessel is that ideally sized corner… but there is more to his game. Vessel can play man, off-man, or zone. Taking on a big, fast, or quick receivers, he is the shadow top talents cannot shake under the bright Louisiana stadium lights. Additionally, running backs and quarterbacks can attest to Vessel laying dudes out like a strong safety/outside linebacker when coming up in run support. If that’s not enough, Vessel is a threat on special teams taking a kick back to the house during his sophomore campaign and will add receiving duties to his responsibilities in 2021.
The complete package the Class of 2023 talent brings to the field, coupled with his reported 4.47 laser-timed speed, has brought offers from Memphis, Michigan State, and Mississippi State.
Amid Louisiana basketball playoffs and preparing for track season, Vessel made a stop at the RNG Lab for a detailed conversation.
Interview
Jeremiah, I’m all in with your skills at corner. You cover like a corner and hit like a strong safety or linebacker. How do you describe your play on the defensive side of the ball?
I feel like I play more like a rover or a nickel back, kind of like Tyrann Mathieu (Chiefs). I can guard receivers and I can play up top. On the defensive side of the ball, I am an athlete who can cover you and tackle you.
From one game to the next, they were moving you around from the field to the boundary at corner, or were you following a certain receiver from game to game?
Yes, sir. Our last game, against St. Thomas More, I was guarding four-star receiver Jack Beck (LSU). They had me on a Memphis commit in another game all game. I followed the best receivers on the field. In a zone, it didn’t matter, but man I had to go find him.
Impressive. Looks like you were running some press man and zone man. What all coverages did you guys run during the 2020 season?
We ran Cover 2, a lot of Cover 3, and man. We ran some man with no help over the top. You had to win on your side.
Which areas of your game saw the biggest improvement on defense during your sophomore run?
Throughout the season I improved with my eyes being in the right place. Last year I watched the QB more than the receiver. This year I was able to recognize the routes. I knew what was going on, the down and distance, and the routes. I played as a smarter player this season.
In which game did you turn in your best personal performance?
I’d say the Madison Prep game. That is the team with the Memphis commit. Against him, I showed my talent against another talented receiver. He finished with two catches against me. Normally he’d have 10 catches. That showed a lot about me.
You got to flash the speed on special teams, taking one back to the house on a kick return and even on kickoff. We know you are fast covering receivers, just how fast are you?
4.47.
Are you doing anything differently in 2021? Will we see you on offense?
Yes, sir. I may go more on offense than defense in 2021.
Are you excited about that?
Yes. I love getting the ball. That is the side of me people have not seen yet. I love taking control of the game and helping my team win.
How are you preparing yourself this offseason already for your junior campaign?
Because I am going both ways, I am getting in better shape. I am running track looking to post a low 4.4 or a high 4.3 in my 40. I am working on getting into better shape, my footwork, and getting better with my coverage.
How many sports are you playing?
I compete in track, football, and basketball.
How are the Cubs doing on the hardwood?
We are in the quarterfinals. We are 25-4 this season.
Very cool. With track, which events will you be running this spring?
I will try to do the 4×1, 100, and 200.
This spring, are there any national camps and/or college camps you may attend?
I will try to go to the ESPN camp in Florida this summer. I’d like to go to an Alabama camp this summer and to some more college camps. If Rivals has a camp here, I’ll go to that one too.
With the colleges, which ones are showing interest?
Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU, Texas, Tulane, and Arizona State.
How may offers do you have?
I have three; Memphis, Michigan State, and Mississippi State.
Which program was the first to offer?
Mississippi State.
Receiving the offer from MSU, how did that go for you?
It was… I was lost in words. I was not expecting it. A teammate called, said a coach wanted to talk to me. When we were on the phone, he gave me the offer. I could not even thank him because I was in shock.
Are you planning on visiting any programs this summer?
I live around LSU; I’d love to visit them a little more. If I can, I want to visit all the schools that have offered me; Memphis, MSU, and Michigan State.
Jeremiah, you are a busy man; I appreciate your time. Wishing you and the Cubs success the rest of the way in the playoffs and with your track season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Vessel family; Jeremiah Vessel