INDIANAPOLIS – Cornerbacks and safeties are starting to trickle into the interview area Sunday morning and an interesting one just finished speaking to the media. Louisville's Adrian Bushell (5-9, 186) is a small corner with an air of confidence about him – as well as the versatility to play outside or in the slot.
Bushell's college career began at Florida but the combination of changes to the staff and disagreements with the coaches led to his transfer to Cedar Valley CC before landing at Louisville. Bushell says the main factor was the departure of defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who is now the Cardinals head coach. That also featured the on-again, off-again status of Gators coach Urban Meyer, who retired before returning to head up Ohio State.
The move worked out for Bushell, who performed well at Louisville.
"I'm an instinctive, fast player. Very athletic," said Bushell, who certainly doesn't lack confidence. "I've always had to defend my size. You look at me and I'm not very big, but I play big."
Bushell spent his senior year of high school in Texas and played at DeSoto, the same school that produced Broncos pass rusher Von Miller as well as former Patriots corner Ellis Hobbs. He tends to focus on smaller corners, like Hobbs, and also draws on his relationships with a pair of former Gator teammates – Cleveland's Joe Haden and St. Louis' Janoris Jenkins.
"I look at those guys and I know it doesn't matter how big you are," Bushell said. "I feel I'm one of the best and I have full confidence in myself."
Bushell could be an interesting option in the latter rounds considering his prowess in the slot, and he said he's already spoken with the Patriots.
