Most collegiate football players take a redshirt year their freshman season to help with the huge transition from high school and develop their skills for the elite collegiate level. That was not the case for Corey Mayfield Jr. He immediately jumped into the fire as he played in 10 games and earned some starts as a true freshman in 2018.
Because of this, Mayfield Jr earned some valuable experience and real on-field situations that he would not have had if he sat the year out. This not only taught him how to become better in his own position, but also taught him how to read opposing wide receivers and properly cover them.
He learned a lot that first year but diving in headfirst as a true freshman also presented many adversities along the way, including some tough losses and personal disadvantages. He took note of those struggles and used the next offseason to become better.
"That offseason, I worked to get in shape, lose my weight and get a little trimmer," Mayfield Jr said. "I came back hard because I knew where I was at wasn't going to work."
All his hard work throughout the years paid off this season when he was voted into a single-digit jersey. Earning a single-digit jersey means earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Mayfield Jr takes this responsibility seriously, exemplifying to his younger teammates how to play the game and how best to represent themselves on and off the field.
"It's a good feeling knowing that you're respected by your teammates and coaches," Mayfield Jr exclaimed. "It comes with a lot of expectations. The young dudes are looking up to the single digits. I'm not the most vocal dude trying to teach people stuff but I try to lead with my work ethic and leading by example."
The Forney, Texas, native emphasizes his family as his biggest inspirations, including his parents, grandmother and uncle Broderick Thomas. He also notes Scott Nady, who is currently on the SMU staff, as one of his biggest mentors in his life.
"He has really helped me and helped raise me," Mayfield Jr explained. "I've known him since I was like 10. He was one of my dad's friends and was also my high school coach for a few years. The biggest thing I take from him is 'the greatest pain in life is regret'."
Mayfield Jr intends to not live his life with regret. When he runs out of eligibility, he plans to continue to pursue the thing he loves and is most passionate about: Football.
"[Playing professional football] is for sure my dream job," Mayfield said. "I just want to be around the game. I'm for sure going to be around the game for a while, whether that's playing it or coaching it."
Mayfield Jr wants to end his collegiate career with a bang, aiming for the highest team accomplishments possible for an FBS school.
"[I want to] win conference," Mayfield expressed. "I want to win a bowl game. That's all I need. If we get those two, I'm good."
