Two years ago, a talented but overlooked defensive back from Middle Tennessee State didn’t get a combine invite, but after destroying his pro day workout, made himself the first pick in the third round of the NFL draft.

In 2017, Kevin Byard led the NFL in interceptions on his way to being named first-team All-Pro (even if Deion Sanders didn’t realize it).

This year’s draft class has a strikingly similar story in Charvarius Ward, an athletic playmaker for the Blue Raiders who is turning heads and drawing tons of attention from NFL teams are putting up impressive numbers at his pro day workout.

Ward recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his unique journey to becoming an NFL prospect, which celebrity he wants to squad up with in Fortnite, and why facing Richie James in practice every day made him a better player.

JM: You’re a JUCO transfer from Hinds Community College. Can you reflect on your journey?

CW: First and foremost, I did just three years of high school. In elementary school, I had to do two years of kindergarten because they thought I had a mental disability. I had trouble seeing and that hindered my ability to learn. Once I got my glasses, I started to get really good grades as the time went on. They moved me up a grade. I went from being a freshmen to a junior in high school. I ended up going to junior college. I did two years there. I ended up at Middle Tennessee after that. It’s been a tough journey so far, but I remained steady throughout it all. I’m one step closer to the NFL.

JM: What did you find was the biggest difference between JUCO and D-I?

CW: The speed of the game is the biggest difference. The athletes in junior college aren’t the best the nation has to offer. Once I got to D-I, the athletes were a whole lot better. The speed of the game is just different. Every quarterback can throw the ball with some accuracy. I learned how to train with a purpose. The weight program at Middle Tennessee State is a whole lot better. I’ve gained 20-25 pounds since I came here. My body changed a lot. I’ve grown an inch and a half. My football IQ has improved. I’m much more committed to the game now. Middle Tennessee helped me realize that the NFL is very much within reach for me. I became a lot more dedicated. I got bigger, stronger, faster and smarter.

JM: What are some things you did to help you adjust to the speed of the game?

CW: I started watching a lot more film. Coach Ellis, my defensive backs coach, has helped me out a lot. I spend a lot of time in the film room with Coach Ellis. Together we would decipher the offenses that we would go up against. The more film I watch, the more I know about their tendencies, and I could break on the ball faster. I can be in the right spot, and that gives me a better opportunity to make plays. I dedicated myself to the weight room, as well.

JM: Were you disappointed to not get an invite to the combine?

CW: I wasn’t disappointed because I knew I still had my pro day. I knew I’d perform well at my pro day. I thought I was gonna get the invite, though. I wasn’t really mad about it. I knew that whatever opportunity I would get to showcase myself, I was gonna take advantage of it. I did great at my pro day.

JM: Tell us a little about your pro day.

CW: I jumped a 37-inch vertical. My broad jump was over 11 feet. I ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. I hit 12 reps on the bench press. I had a good day at my pro day. Every result was well above average.

JM: You MTSU guys always find a way. Kevin Byard didn’t get a combine invite either. He lead the NFL in interceptions in 2017.

CW: The world is sleeping on us a little bit, but I guess we gotta wake them up. We’re gonna keep showing them what we’re about. Kevin isn’t gonna be the only one from Middle Tennessee State to make the Pro Bowl or be named an All-Pro. We just gotta keep doing our job. He came back to Middle Tennessee and worked out with us. He helped us out a lot. He schooled us on the NFL game. Kevin Byard has helped us out so much.

JM: Do you have any private visits or workouts lined up?

CW: I have a few teams showing interest. Nothing is set in stone yet. I’m not allowed to talk about anything as of right now. I have a few teams calling, though. That’s for sure.

JM: You posted a team high 14 pass breakups in 2017. That jumps off the stat sheet.

CW: I’m trying to turn all those pass breakups into interceptions once I get to the next level. I know teams are looking for corners that can force turnovers and get the ball back for the offense. I gotta catch every ball I get my hands on.

JM: You’re a long, physical cover man. What do you feel are your best assets?

CW: I feel like my best asset is my upside because I’m still so young. I’m just 21 years old. I’m still young and I’m still learning. My rookie year in the NFL is gonna be my fifth year playing football. I feel like I have a lot of upside still. I have a chance to be a great corner at the next level. As you said, my man coverage skills are another thing I would make note of. I feel like I have some of the best man skills in this draft. I can follow any receiver around and knock them down. That’s just what I do.

JM: Who are some of the best receivers you’ve ever covered?

CW: Taywan Taylor from Western Kentucky. I played against him in my junior year. He’s with the Tennessee Titans now. My teammate Richie James is another guy. I covered him a lot in practice. We had some great battles in practice. Those two receivers left a great impression on me. They’re fast guys, very quick in and out of their breaks. I would have to say those two receivers, my teammate Richie James and Taywan Taylor from the Tennessee Titans.

JM: You’re a bigger guy, but Richie and Taywan are smaller, shiftier guys. How did facing guys like that make you better?

CW: They helped me elevate my game. I used to cover Richie in practice in the slot just for the sake of competition. That was a great opportunity for me to get better and become more versatile. I loved every second of it. Those guys are fast, short and quick and there’s a ton of guys like that in the NFL. The more types of receivers you can cover, the better off you’ll be at the next level.

JM: How do you like to spend your time outside of football?

CW: I have a girlfriend. I spend a lot of time with her. I spend time with my family. I play a lot of Fortnite and Call of Duty. If I’m not playing video games, I’m with my girlfriend, my family or my dog. I don’t really party too much or go out. I just stay in the house and watch sports.

JM: Who’s someone you’d love to play Fortnite with right now?

CW: I know there’s a lot of guys in the NBA playing right now. I would love to play with Drake. I know he plays Fortnite. I definitely wanna play with some NBA guys. I heard it’s taking over the NBA. If the NFL isn’t on Fortnite, I need to wake them up.

JM: Why should an NFL team invest one of their picks into Charvarius Ward?

CW: I’m a hard worker. I’ll do anything my coaches ask of me. I’ll play special teams; I don’t mind that at all. I’m responsible. I won’t let any owner, GM or my coach down. I’ll make the team better. I work hard and just do my job. I try to lead by example. I won’t be a waste of a draft pick. That’s a promise. I’ll be a great draft pick in any round. I’ll do anything my coaches ask of me.