Louisiana-Monroe defensive back Car'lin Vigers is the only player from his program on this year's Senior Bowl watchlist. The Eunice, Louisiana native has earned that right. As a hybrid boundary cornerback and in-the-box defender, Vigers recorded 54 tackles last season, and he's already recorded an interception versus UAB this season, one he returned for a 30-yard pick-six.
Vigers recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network, fresh off an encouraging individual performance versus the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, one that caught the attention of NFL scouts. Vigers discussed that showing, playing a legendary basketball game against Buffalo Bills wide receiver (and fellow Louisiana native) Keon Coleman, positional versatility, and so much more.
JM: Your college football journey began at Independence Community College. What was your JUCO experience like?
Car’lin Vigers: My JUCO experience was tough, for sure. I grew from it. It molded me into the player and person I am today. It showed how important hard work is. JUCO taught me so much about life in general, not just football.
Everything isn’t going to go your way all the time, and anything worth having is worth working for. You have to work for what you want in this life. If you put in the time, you can achieve anything.
JM: We love that. You eventually ended up at Louisiana-Monroe, where you've been thriving. You had 54 tackles last season. You also had a 30-yard pick-six touchdown against UAB earlier this season. Talk to me about your ability to make impact plays around the ball.
Car’lin Vigers: It’s all about executing the game plan. I watch a ton of film throughout the week. Being a film junkie helps me make a ton of plays. I’m one of those players that takes film sessions very seriously.
If you really pay attention and study the film, it’s going to help you make plays. I already know and understand what kind of looks we’re going to get once I get out there on the field.
JM: You've played boundary cornerback and box safety. You’re versatile like that and you’ve made a ton of plays at both spots. Which position feels most natural to you?
Car’lin Vigers: That’s a great question. It’s funny, my coaches at Louisiana-Monroe have often asked me that question as well. I always say boundary corner. I have great size for the position, but I also move incredibly well for my size. I have great feet and I understand how to use my hands.
I love disrupting the timing between a quarterback and the receiver I’m covering. I’m physical at the line of scrimmage. I can come downhill and make tackles from the safety position as well. I can impact the game from a variety of spots. I think cornerback is my best position, though.
JM: You were recently named to the Senior Bowl’s watchlist. Congratulations on that. What would getting that invite to Mobile mean to you?
Car’lin Vigers: It would mean a lot to me. Everything I’ve been through, rising above the JUCO level to get here, it would just show that God is working hard for me. I’ve stayed patient throughout the process.
I would love the opportunity to compete in Mobile. It would mean a lot to me. It would help get me one step closer to my dream. That would mean everything.
JM: Your play deserves an invite. Legend has it you once played a high school basketball game against Buffalo Bills rookie receiver Keon Coleman. I heard y’all went back and forth in that one (laughs). Both of you hail from Louisiana. What do you recall?
Car’lin Vigers: That was my first basketball game of the season after winning the state championship in football. I didn’t even get in a single practice because the football season had just ended like a day or two prior to the first basketball game.
Playing against Keon Coleman in that game, we had a great matchup (laughs). It was very competitive, especially for my first game back. We definitely went back and forth, which made it even more fun.
Keon came out and made big-time plays for his team and motivated me to do the same for my team. I was fresh off a state football championship and feeling good (laughs).
I ended up with 30 points, 15 of which came from the 3-point line. We were able to pull away with a victory.
JM: You had a big-time resume game versus the Texas Longhorns recently. NFL scouts took notice. I know the final result wasn't what you hoped for, but how would you grade your individual performance?
Car’lin Vigers: From an individual perspective, I feel like I went out there and showed the world that I could play on any stage. The moment wasn’t too big for me. Of course, I wish I had done even more, and I wish we played a more competitive game as a team.
Just because I’m at ULM, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t ready for the moment. No stage is too big for me. I love the game of football. I performed at a high level. I feel like I showed up ready to play.
JM: You sure did. The tape doesn’t lie. We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?
Car’lin Vigers: I’m just going to stay consistent all season long. I’m going to make the plays that come to me. We have a lot of ball games to win in front of us. I’m going to leave the rest up to God. He’s going to get me to the next level.
