LSU DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse talks NY Jets visit, 2023 NFL Draft in interview

The NY Jets have been doing their homework on a number of prospects in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, one of whom is LSU defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

The Jets brought in Bernard-Converse on an official top-30 visit earlier this month and could look to target him during next week's draft.

A four-year starter at Oklahoma State, Bernard-Converse was named first-team All-Big 12 following a standout senior season in 2021. He transferred to LSU for his final year of eligibility in 2022 and continued to establish himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Jarrick to discuss everything from his football journey to the upcoming draft to his off-field hobbies and interests.

Below is only a partial transcription of our interview. To watch the interview in its entirety, be sure to click here and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss out on any additional content.

The pre-draft process

Justin Fried: "How has the whole pre-draft process been for you? What's this experience been like?"

Jarrick Bernard-Converse: "It's been different than any other experience I've ever had. I'm just taking it step by step, embracing the moment, and enjoying the process."

Why did Jarrick Bernard-Converse originally commit to Oklahoma State?

JF: "You spent four years at Oklahoma State before coming to LSU. What made you decide to choose Oklahoma State originally?"

JBC: "I graduated in Animal Science, and at the time when I was coming out of high school, Oklahoma State had one of the best vet programs in the country, so that led to my decision to go there. It wasn't only football but academics as well."

Switching positions

JF: "You spent the first two years of your time at Oklahoma State as a safety before making the switch to cornerback. How did that move come about and what was the switch like for you?"

JBC: "It was a little bit of a switch, but it wasn't much. I feel like a DB should be versatile enough to play safety and cornerback. In high school, I started out as a safety and transitioned to corner in my senior year. Personally, I don't think there was much of a difference."

Transferring to LSU

JF: "After four years at Oklahoma State, you decided to transfer to LSU. What was the thought process behind that decision?"

JBC: "Knowing that our DC, Coach Jim Knowles, had left to go to Ohio State, and with LSU losing most of their DBs the year before, I just saw an opportunity to go back home and finish out my last year at LSU."

Bets position in the NFL

JF: "Is there any position you feel most comfortable with in the NFL?"

JBC: "I feel like I'm good wherever. I feel like I'm versatile enough to play both inside at safety and outside at corner. I feel comfortable at both."

Participating in the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl

JF: "You had the opportunity to participate in not only the Hula Bowl but also the Shrine Bowl this year. Tell me a little about what those experiences were like for you."

JBC: "Those were pretty good experiences for me because you have pretty good guys at both games, top guys from around the country. It felt good to go out there and compete and have fun with guys from around the country that you might not usually play. I enjoyed the whole process."

Not getting invited to the NFL Combine

JF: "A lot of people believe you were one of the biggest Combine snubs. How did you feel about not getting the invite to Indy?"

JBC: "I was a little disappointed, I'm not going to lie. I felt like I should've been there, but everything happens for a reason. I just moved on from that because you can't dwell on it. I just took that as motivation for my pro day and went out there and made the best of it."

Meeting with the NY Jets

JF: "You had an official top-30 visit with the Jets about a week ago. How did that meeting go?"

JBC: "It was pretty good. It was good to get up there and see the facility, meet the coaches, and talk some ball with them. I enjoyed the process and experience."

Getting to know Jarrick Bernard-Converse

JF: " What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of football?"

JBC: "I really just like to chill with my family, hang with my friends, and play video games. Nothing too crazy."

JF: "This is always my favorite question. What is your go-to karaoke song?"

JBC: "That's tough. When it comes to karaoke, I really like to sing some Michael Jackson or some Drake. I feel like those two are the best for karaoke for some reason. I don't really have a specific [song], but if I'm singing karaoke, I'm going to sing Michael Jackson or Drake."