B/R Interview: Houston Cougars' James Cleveland Prepares for the NFL Draft

If we were meant to reach our goals and dreams easily, they wouldn’t be very lofty goals to achieve.

When it comes down to looking at potential NFL Draftees, sometimes the guys that have to work the hardest to reach their dreams become the best stories.

It’s not how hard an athlete falls, but how well he picks himself back up that truly measures the character of a person.

Those words fittingly describe Houston Cougars wide receiver James Cleveland.

As the talented Cleveland diligently prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft at Velocity Sports Performance in Los Angeles, his road to this point was a rocky one, but a path he wouldn’t change.

“I took the least traveled path to this point, but I was brought this way for a reason,” said Cleveland.

Cleveland enrolled early at Iowa from Baytown (Texas) Lee High School and then caught 36 passes for 464 yards his freshman year, earning many kudos from coach Kirk Ferentz for his blocking and toughness.

In 2008 though, Cleveland pleaded guilty to a charge involving prescription medication and was dismissed from the Hawkeyes.

Cleveland could have easily crumbled up and grabbed his bags and headed home like many others would have. Instead, he picked himself up from the bottom and grinded out a successful NCAA career.

He enrolled at Trinity Valley Community College for a season, before signing with Houston in 2009. The rest is history.

“The past few years not only made me a better person, but also a humble man,” said Cleveland. “It made me realize how much hard work I had to put in.”

Many athletes get a second chance, but very few have the character to take advantage of the opportunity. That’s exactly what Cleveland did.

In his first season as a Cougar, Cleveland exploded onto the scene to lead the Cougars in receptions (104), yardage (1,214), and touchdowns (14) while playing in a system that showed off how talented he is capable of being on the football field. He finished the 2009 season ranked second in the nation for receptions per game and sixth in receiving yards per game.

After that season, Cleveland was named to the Conference USA First Team, as well as to several All American Teams as a third team selection and honorable mention.

Last season saw a dip in Cleveland’s numbers, but a majority of that had to do with the revolving door at quarterback for the Cougars that began with an injury to starter Case Keenum.

Throughout the journey, Cleveland’s college career was a big success.

“I am forever grateful for every opportunity I had at the college level and every opportunity I have in the future,” added Cleveland. “Looking back on things, I accomplished a lot, but also left a lot of things unaccomplished at the college level.  I know now that there are a lot more things for me to accomplish on the football field."

Now that his NCAA career is finished, it’s up to Cleveland to impress scouts leading up to the draft. It shouldn’t be hard. There aren’t many teams wouldn’t have interest in a guy who has a great understanding of the game that can do a variety of things well.

“I learned at a young age that the more job titles that you can hold, the better off you will be,” said Cleveland. “I’m willing to do anything. I can stretch the field as well as catch the ball over the middle. I can return or cover kicks. I think there are a lot of things I can do well on the football field. I’m just looking for the opportunity.”

The NFL team that gives Cleveland the opportunity will certainly be getting a talented and dedicated football player, but will Cleveland have the chance to don that club's jersey in 2011?

With the NFL players currently being locked out, the potential situation of no football could arise. That could potentially put Cleveland and the rest of the 2011 rookies in a tough spot.

“It’s actually something I never worried about in the past,” commented Cleveland about the lockout. “It’s almost a case now of now that it involves me, it doesn’t involve me at the same time. I’m just focused on doing well at my pro day and letting the chips fall into place for me. I am learning real fast though that this is a business.”

As the time counts down towards the NFL Draft, Cleveland’s long and windy road to his dream will nearly be complete.

“It’s almost like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” added Cleveland. “I just have to keep working hard. I have more things to accomplish.”

After watching him play and talking to him, whichever team drafts Cleveland will be a lucky one.