Hawaii cornerback Cam Stone is an underrated prospect. The former Wyoming transfer recorded five interceptions and 24 pass breakups throughout his final three campaigns of college football. Those ball skills and experience were on display at this year’s Hula Bowl.
Stone recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Stone discussed his pre-draft experience, denouncing the small-school narrative, ball production, transferring from Wyoming to Hawaii, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Wyoming to Hawaii?
Cam Stone: I don’t have any regrets. I think my time at both universities was well spent. I have a lot of great relationships with both programs. I don’t have any regrets over my decision. I’m here today with an opportunity to play at the next level. That decision has me well positioned.
It all worked out in my favor.
JM: You participated in this year's Hula Bowl. What do you think you proved to scouts in attendance?
Cam Stone: I definitely took advantage of the opportunity to showcase my skills and abilities. The biggest thing for me was displaying my versatility because I know my position might change at the next level.
I had the opportunity to play nickel corner at the Hula Bowl. Even though that’s not a position that typically quarterbacks the defense, I definitely made my presence known as far as being a great communicator.
I was yelling on that practice field, trying to get everybody lined up (laughs). I actually ended up losing my voice the day of the game.
JM: Having played your final two seasons at Hawaii, did you walk into the Hula Bowl with a chip on your shoulder?
Cam Stone: I most definitely did. I’ll have that chip on my shoulder for as long as I play this game. I’ve always been considered that undersized corner who doesn’t pass your typical eye test. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve always done my job at a high level.
It never mattered who I was playing against or who I was guarding. That chip is always going to be on my shoulder, naturally. I embrace being that person who always has a point to prove. I really enjoy it. I take advantage of my opportunity to do that, week in, week out.
JM: I want to expand on that. You've always been labeled “undersized.” You also have the small-school narrative following you. How do you typically respond?
Cam Stone: At the end of the day, it’s football. It just depends on who that question is coming from (laughs). If it’s a player, I’ll tell him come on, we can line up and play it out right now (laughs). As far as a coach, it’s a question I can answer by playing and rising to the challenge.
90% of the game is mental. I’m a very smart player with pre-and-post-snap recognition. I have a lot of experience under my belt. I’ve played a ton of football. The tape proves it. I’m always going to prove that narrative wrong. It’ll be no different moving forward.
JM: We love that answer. You’ve shown it on tape. Did you meet with any NFL teams and scouts while at the Hula Bowl?
Cam Stone: I definitely met with a lot of teams at the Hula Bowl. I met with the Lions, Buccaneers, 49ers, Chiefs, Saints, and a few others. I had some memorable meetings with those teams.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You had five interceptions and 24 pass breakups in your final three seasons. You were Pro Football Focus’ third-highest graded D-I cornerback this season. What is it about your game that allows you to make so many plays on the ball?
Cam Stone: I was fortunate to play for a defensive coordinator who put me in a lot of positions to make plays. Hawaii challenged me and gave me opportunities to make plays on a weekly basis. I was able to fully grow into who I wanted to be as a football player.
It helped me make plays, period. I did my job at a high level. I barely saw any targets thrown my way this season. When the opportunity came, I was in the right position to make a play.
JM: This has been a lot of fun. We've appreciated your time today. In closing, why should a team use one of their draft picks on Cam Stone?
Cam Stone: You’re getting a dog. I have all the intangibles you can’t coach. You’re also getting a very experienced player. I’ve seen it all from a terminology perspective. I understand schemes and systems.
I’ve played for a few different defensive coordinators. I know how to learn a playbook. That comes easy to me. I’m a great communicator and a great leader. Most importantly, I’m a great listener.
