Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with Azusa-Pacific CB/S C.J. Broussard

An athlete’s timeline from their high school years all the way to the pros doesn’t always follow a linear path and such is the case with a converted signal caller that found his calling as a defensive back late in the recruiting process, but made the best of his situation by establishing himself as one of the standout defenders at the Division II level that has been captivating the attention of NFL scouts during the pre-draft process.

Like many of his contemporaries playing quarterback, C.J. Broussard had designs on following in the footsteps of his boyhood idol Michael Vick by emerging as that same type of playmaking field general with the arm and legs to keep defenses on their toes during his time at the California-based Clovis High School.

At about 6-feet tall with a muscular frame, Broussard was similarly built to the one-time Atlanta Falcons superstar, but in time he came to the realization that he was better suited to contributing as a defensive back, where he exhibited the instincts and physicality to consistently make impact plays.

The fact that the high school football captain had experience both throwing the ball, as well as catching it as a wide receiver, allowed him to use his vast knowledge of formations to read and anticipate all the motions, checks and eye movements of opposing quarterbacks to put himself in the right spot to make a play.

But because Broussard had many of the bigger D1 programs evaluate him as a passer and were late to take note of his exploits at cornerback, the hard-hitting backfield enforcer found himself with only a handful of walk-on offers from prominent institutions, such as Oregon State, Cincinnati and the University of Cal-Berkley.

Azusa-Pacific was one of the few schools to present the All-Tri River Athletic Conference student athlete with a full ride, which prompted Broussard to head 240 miles south and embark on a successful collegiate career with the Cougars.

He emerged as a starting cornerback as freshman, but was much more than merely a cover specialist; Broussard developed into a veritable Swiss Army knife by putting his stamp on games as a blitzer from the safety position, playing nickel linebacker in obvious running situations and earning a reputation as a fearless headhunter in special teams coverage.

The four-year starter’s work in the film room began paying dividends in the way he seemed to always turn his head at the right time while covering a streaking receiver with his back to the quarterback or in the way he successfully slipped through the futile attempts on the part of oncoming blockers on special teams.

The physical education major also distinguished himself as an exemplary teammate not only through his hard work in practice and film study during the week, but for the support and encouragement he provided for his brothers wearing the red and black.

Broussard saved his best for last by leading the Great Northwest Athletic Conference both in interceptions (5) and passes defenses (11) in his senior year.

In addition to earning NCAA Division II All-American honors in 2016, the aspiring pro was part of a Cougars’ squad that ranked second nationally in red zone defense, third in turnover margin (plus-20) and sacks (4.17 per game), and fourth in interceptions (23).

Led by head coach Victor Santa Cruz, Azusa Pacific would go onto qualifying for its first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance with a 9-3 record in the regular season.

Currently, Broussard sits and waits for the last April weekend when he’ll finally get that call to join a 90-man roster whether it be as a Day-3 draft pick or an undrafted free agent.

During a recent interview with LombardiAve, the ambitious NFL hopeful revealed his desire to roll up his sleeves and perform any type of special-teams “dirty work” he’ll be asked to provide.

Thus far, the Jets and Giants are the two organizations that have demonstrated the most interest in his services, but over 20 scouts were reportedly on hand to observe Broussard’s pro day that saw the projected safety turn in a 4.56 in the 40 and put up 18 reps on the bench.

The 22-year-old is a well-spoken man of faith who is currently engaged. Here is the California native’s story in his own words.