:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29183787/20130817_gav_sv5_042.0.jpg)
Arizona Cardinals special team Pro Bowler Justin Bethel already is a stud on special teams. He is a fantastic gunner and can get around the edge to block kicks.
But he is not satisfied with his career yet. He wants a chance to show that he can play cornerback in the NFL. He knows that it is different. Hetalked about it on Fox Sports Radio 910 with Jody Oehler and Mike Jurecki.
"It's a different monster out there playing corner," he said. "You're by yourself. It's you against the receiver. When you mess up out there, it usually turns out points for the other team.
"It is a big change, but I'm ready for it. I feel like I've been working hard all season. The whole season I'm over on the practice team helping the offense, guarding Larry and all those guys and it gives me a chance to get better. So I feel like I'm ready for it, to go out there and get my chance."
He has only had a few snaps on defense in his career. One such play was being beaten for a touchdown his rookie season. He said that playing corner in the pros is "about being disciplined" and doing things like "not jumping at every move" that an opposing receiver gives him.
In his first season, "I wasn't ready to do all that."
Now he has learned from Patrick Peterson and Jerraud Powers. He will continue to work with Peterson this offseason on his technique.
His head coach, Bruce Arians, has already said publicly that he thinks Bethel will make a move on defense. What exactly does that mean? Perhaps overtaking Powers on the outside. Perhaps playing in the slot while Tyrann Mathieu fully recovers from major knee surgery. Perhaps it is playing the role of a dime corner.
Whatever the role, he is ready for it.
"I feel like I deserve to get a chance," he said. "When I do go out there, I feel like I'll make something happen."
What will his role be on the defense in 2014?
Listen to the entire interview!
by embed media player
