MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football cornerback Devin Rockette recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss the effect COVID-19 had on the spring, how he is different in his second time with the program and the biggest influence on his life, among other things.

Rockette, a senior from Oxford, Miss., has been a member of the Jaguar program for two seasons. He began his career in Mobile during the 2016 season before transferring to Northwest Mississippi CC for a season. He returned to the program last year where he started eight times while appearing in all 12 contests. He was credited with 15 tackles — all unassisted — and six passes broken up, accounting for three takeaways with an interception and two fumble recoveries as well. He tied for the team lead in recovered fumbles and was second on the squad in passes defensed.

What did you want to work to improve coming into this fall camp?
I worked a lot on my foot speed and my technique during the offseason, but coming into camp and this season, I just wanted to work on my ball skills. I needed to get better in that aspect of my game.

What effect did the way the spring played out have on you? Do you feel the new format helped you?
I wouldn't really say that it helped or hurt me. As a team, we weren't really able to see where we were as a team during the spring. Coming into fall camp though, everything has turned out well for us. We've been looking good.

Speaking of COVID-19, how have you or your family been affected by it?
Not too long ago my great grandmother caught COVID-19 and she had a both a heart attack and a stroke as a result of it. The doctors weren't sure whether or not she was going to be able to survive, so we were actually starting to plan for her funeral. She's a 100 percent well now though. She can talk and do everything else. Through the grace of God, she came out of it fine.

What did you take away from playing with Travis Reed and Jalen Thompson last season?
I would say to lead by example. That was a big thing I learned from them. Neither of them were really big on talking and telling others what to do. They just led by example, and that's one thing I've tried to do this year as a senior.

You began your career here at South, went to junior college and then came back here. How different of a player are you this time around compared to your freshman year?
The first time I left, I was immature. I had to grow up as a man. When I came back, I knew it was time to focus and lock in in order to get to where I want to ultimately be.

What do you like about playing in defensive coordinator Greg Stewart's defensive scheme?
I love to play man coverage. I feel like I'm a man-coverage type of cornerback.

How have you benefited from the offseason conditioning program?
I feel I've benefited from it a lot. I've actually put on a little more weight this year than I've been able to before. Coach (Chad) Smith takes care of us. While he's helping us get bigger, faster and stronger, he's also teaching us the mechanics of football. He teaches us about acceleration, about positive shin angles and other things. He doesn't just put us out there to work out. He teaches us why we're doing it and what each thing does to help us get better.

What are some goals you set for yourself this season?
"I want us to win a Sun Belt Championship, that's one thing. I just want to also have a great season with all my brothers."

What do you see as the biggest key to success for the defense this season?
We just don't need to make so many mistakes on the field. The team that makes the less amount of mistakes is usually the one that wins the game. We just need to lock in for four quarters and play hard.

What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
When I leave here, I want to go to the NFL, but if that doesn't work out, I would like to be an equipment representative for one of the big shoe companies.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to play Madden.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
I would say my mom. We've been through a lot together. We've been through a lot of ups and downs, especially after the passing of my dad. Ever since then, it's just been the two of us along with my little sister who is also very important to me.

Where do you feel the team has progressed most throughout camp?
I would say it's in the area of not making repeated mistakes. In previous years, we would have to run stuff back multiple times and redo it, but we really haven't had to do much of that this camp. Everyone has been doing their individual job."

What other sports did you play in high school, and besides football what sport would you play now if you could?
I played baseball, I ran track and started basketball, but I didn't like it. Track was my sport and other than football, which is my passion, I would say it as another sport to play if I could.

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