Cody Journell (July 2, 2008)

 
N2FL:  At what age did you start playing football?
 
C.J.:  I started my first Rec. Ball in the fifth grade, but I first started kicking when I was somewhere around 6.
 
N2FL:  When and who was your first scholarship offer?
 
C.J.:  Virginia Tech, June 6th
 
N2FL:  How many scholarship offers do you currently have?
 
C.J.:  1
 
N2FL:  What was your favorite college team growing up?
 
C.J.:  Virginia Tech baby!!! :-)
 
N2FL:  Have a favorite NFL Team?
 
C.J.:  I would have to say the Indianapolis Colts because my favorite kicker is currently a Colt.
 
N2FL:  Do you try and emulate any specific player?
 
C.J.:  I actually have two different players who influence me. Adam Vinatieri is the first because of his ability to perform and be clutch when the pressures on. Shane Graham is the other because he grew up in my area and went to Tech to kick and is now in the NFL. So I would like to follow in his footsteps as much as possible if not to exceed past him (No offense Shane).
 
N2FL:  Any particular reason for the jersey number?
 
C.J.:  Nueve is my favorite Spanish number, and nine was available. Plus the jersey fit me well.
 
N2FL:  You committed to Virginia Tech in early June, why did you decide to end your recruitment early?
 
C.J.:  Virginia Tech has been my dream school ever since I was a young kid, they've been #1 on my list throughout all of my recruiting. So when I got the offer on the 6th, I told coach Beamer I was ready to play some ball!
 
N2FL:  What were some of the considerations when choosing your school?
 
C.J.:  Well being close to home was a big factor. My parents and family are half the reason that I am where I am now so I felt like it would be a huge deal to them if they would be able to watch the games. Plus I have a majority of my friends who are either at Virginia Tech right now or are up and coming freshmen there. So it will be nice to be able to stay around familiar faces.
 
N2FL:  Are there any schools who continue to recruit you despite your commitment?
 
C.J.:  Most of the schools who were recruiting me have slacked off. Most of the coaches just told me congratulations and if anything changes on my part that they would love to hear from me.
 
N2FL:  Who was your lead recruiter at Virginia Tech?
 
C.J.:  Coach Billy Hite
 
N2FL:  Despite your pledge to the Hokies, will you take any "official visits" anywhere else?
 
C.J.:  VERY VERY VERY Doubtful, so no.
 
N2FL:  Was there another school(s) in consideration before you pulled the trigger on the Hokies, and what was it about Virginia Tech that ultimately sold you on them?
 
C.J.:  I was looking at Maryland. I really liked their coaches, team and facilities. Then Virginia was in the running too; it was a very open relationship with whoever I could until I figured out what was going to be the verdict on Tech. I think what sold me the most was the major emphasize that coach Beamer puts on his special teams, it just shows me that I am important and that I will be needed on the team.
 
N2FL:  What do you see as some of your playing strengths?
 
C.J.:  Well the coaches told me that they loved the fact that I was an athlete and not just a kicker. They said that was one of the biggest contributing factors on my scholarship.
 
N2FL:  What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?
 
C.J.:  Mostly keeping my grades up, working on my accuracy and keeping my nose clean.
 
N2FL:  Are you being recruited as a kicker or punter?
 
C.J.:  Place Kicker / Kickoff
 
N2FL:  How do you feel about Redshirting?
 
C.J.:  It's whatever Coach Beamer feels is best for the team.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a major in mind?
 
C.J.:  Still undecided
 
N2FL:  What are your goals for your senior season?
 
C.J.:  Have fun, play as hard as possible and better myself. And maybe bring home a Championship.
 
N2FL:  What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far?
 
C.J.:  N/A
 
N2FL:  Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending Virginia Tech with you?
 
C.J.:  Well Nubian Peak goes to a High School 20 minutes from mine and Tech gave him a full scholarship also. It's just cool having someone that close to you that is in your same shoes and knowing that you are at different schools now but will be teammates in the future.
 
N2FL:  Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
 
C.J.:  My biggest influence would have to be God number one. He is the whole purpose of me being here, then second would have to be my parents, they have kept me out of trouble. Then when I was in trouble have stayed by my side and helped me get through it. So watching how they handle the situations that they and myself get into influences me more than anything.