2023 NFL Draft Small-School Prospect To Watch: Tiffin CB Jermaine Wimpye

History is meant to be rewritten and Jermaine Wimpye may do just that. The Tiffin cornerback may be the best player to come out of the program in some time and make history for the Dragons.

Tiffin CB Jermaine Wimpye Eyeing the 2023 NFL Draft

As far as I can tell, Tiffin University has never had a player selected in the NFL draft. The Division II school, located approximately 90 minutes north of Ohio State, has consistently put competitive teams on the field with talented players. Receiver Nate Washington and running backs Chris Ivory as well as JaQuan Hardy are the most recent Tiffin alumni to play in the NFL.

But the best is yet to come.

Entering the season, cornerback Tyler Richardson was the next-level prospect teams had their eye on. The feisty senior cover corner received a few draftable grades but struggled with injury early in the season.

Now, watching the 2022 film, it’s Richardson’s teammate, the often-ignored Wimpye, that’s jumped off the film and looks like a next-level ready cornerback.

Wimpye’s program size is listed at 6’2″ and 196 pounds. Realistically, this means he’s likely 6’0″ and 190 pounds, which are still outstanding measurables for an NFL corner.

Wimpye’s play screams Sunday player, as the corner is always around the ball making an impact. In eight games this season, Wimpye has intercepted four passes, bringing one back for a score. He also has two pass breakups to his credit, as well as 31 tackles. A year ago, Wimpye was credited with 62 tackles and six pass breakups.

Wimpye does more than physically beat down opponents to defend throws – something he does quite well. He’s fundamentally sound, displaying a quick pedal in reverse, the ability to flip his hips, and explode to the ball out of his plant.

What really stands out is the way Wimpye is constantly around the football making positive plays. He’s instinctive, athletic, and very tough. Wimpye is not just a terrific defender, he contributes on special teams, giving effort and making plays on coverage units.

Entering the season, Wimpye was ignored by scouts, but these days, people can’t stop talking about him. He’s presently graded as a fifth-round pick on my board but many wonder whether or not he’ll enter the draft.

As a fourth-year senior, Wimpye has played 36 games for Tiffin over the past three and a half years. He’s eligible to go pro, but the belief around town is Wimpye could enter the transfer portal and move on and play college football elsewhere next year.

That may be his best option, as I’m sure schools such as Ohio State or Michigan would love to enlist Wimpye’s services in 2023.