JACKSONVILLE – Myles Coleis the Jaguars' attempt to catch lightning in a bottle. The rookie defensive end from Texas Tech is a tantalizing blend of height, weight and length and looks exactly how you would imagine a pass rusher should look. The Jaguars are betting that defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and his staff will be able to take his significant physical abilities and help Cole develop into a guy who can make an impact on Sundays. The first step, as it is for many players new to summer in North Florida, is to get acclimated and Cole says that has not been too big a deal for him.
Cole: I'm adjusting pretty well to the weather. It's hot, but the process is simple. You have to hydrate and I'm doing that, so I would say that I'm adjusting pretty well. It is more humid here, but I'm used to it from Shreveport (Louisiana), which is my hometown. Honestly, though, Texas is more of a dry heat. So to me, it's hotter there.
Q: How much time do you have to spend before and after practice just to get your body right to be ready for the next thing?
A: I get started an hour before and then there is the acclimation period, which is the first 30 minutes. I spend a lot of time stretching, making sure I'm ready to go. Then after practice, I stay until we're done at 7 (p.m.) for extra treatment, to get in a cold tub or the hot tub. Whatever I need, I just stay extra before and after.
Q: Extra is kind of the keyword as a rookie, isn't it? You have to do more. Where does that mindset come from? Where did you learn that?
A: You learn pretty early in this game what it takes to be great and to win. The little things count. It's the details and that never really changes – either at the college level or in the NFL. There are so many great players here and you have to try and catch up with the veterans, which means you have to use every second you can find. It takes more every single day.
Q: You transferred from Louisiana Monroe to Texas Tech after three seasons. What did you learn about adjusting to the Big 12 that might help you make a similar adjustment to professional football?
A: I went to Lubbock, Texas to push myself against a stronger level of competition. I'm glad I did it. You don't know how good you can be if you don't challenge yourself and I felt like the move to Texas was a good one. It's about finding a good rhythm and spending the time to acclimate physically and mentally. I've done it before, a lot of these guys have, and so I feel comfortable in new surroundings. It was a good decision for my career.
Q: The word after the draft was that there were a few guys on the defensive staff who were really adamant about getting you to Jacksonville. Why do you suppose they had such strong feelings about you?
A: I would hope my work ethic would be at the top of the list. I've always been a guy who was willing to do more, to do whatever it takes to help my team win. I also think I have the size and strength that can make me a good player. It's nice to hear that they wanted me, that makes you feel good and want to work harder to prove they were right.
Q: What's the X factor? What does it take to win at this level?
A: The details. Getting comfortable with my pre-snap read and focusing on the things I'm supposed to key on are the two things I am working on right now. The game is so much faster up here. You have to give yourself a chance to be in the best position you can be before the ball is snapped. If you're a foot or two out of position, it can be the difference between making a play or watching them make a play. That's a lot of time in the playbook and watching in the film room so I can be ahead for the next day.
Q: Tell me about getting the opportunity to play with and learn from a talented group of veterans: Arik Armstead, Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. What have you learned from them so far?
A: They're the reason I'm focusing on the details. They do the same things before every practice, before every rep, really – and their focus on doing all the little things right is great to help me do the same thing. They've been great. I've learned a lot about how to handle the day to day of training camp, which can get long if you're not prepared for it. They've been where I want to go, so it's a blessing for me to be able to watch them work.
Q: How are you handling the workload of an NFL training camp?
A: You really have to just focus on one thing at a time. Be where your feet are. You can't worry about what we have next on the schedule, or what comes after practice, or in the evening. If you just pay attention to the drill we're doing at the moment you'll have a chance to be your best. And then, you know, when that other drill comes, just do it.
Q: Is your family enjoying your moment in the sun? How have they adjusted to having an NFL player?
A: Family is everything to me. Family is really all you have and I have a good one. There will always be people who doubt you, but never your family. They're always there for me and I'm grateful to share this with them. They're pretty excited. Actually, they're here now and I'm pretty excited to spend a little time with them. Football has been a journey for all of us and we're enjoying this next stop.
