Position: Running Back
School: SUNY Cortland
HT/WT: 6’1 / 200 lbs
X: CaponeAshton8
Instagram: ashtoncapone
Achievements:
2023 NCAA National Champion, School single game rushing record holder, All Conference Running Back, Second in school history for yards per carry (min.100 attempts) 6.0 ypc
How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
I committed to Cortland directly out of highschool. The process involved meeting with a bunch of college coaches at my highschool and staying in contact with them. Eventually after a big decision on which school I wanted to go to, I chose Cortland.
What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position?
What gives me an advantage is my vision, patience, and awareness. Being a bigger back, I use my eyes and stay patient, once the hole opens up, I explode with a low pad level and get vertical.
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
Being a student of this game is one of the most important aspects of football. At the running back position, knowing the scheme and how certain plays are supposed to be blocked up is very important. I take film study seriously as well as learning the goals of our offense and my alignment, assignment, technique, aiming point on where I need to attack, etc.
How does being an RB reflect itself in your personal life?
Being a running back reflects my personal life because of how hard and versatile the position is. Growing up I have had to battle adversity on and off the field. Running Backs must be able to live in and outside of the trenches, and in the trenches it can be difficult. I like difficult things, this has helped me adapt and be effective at the position.
How would you describe your work ethic?
I have always been someone who puts their head down and grinds. This mentality started sophomore year in highschool when I had aspirations to play college football. I have worked hard and earned everything I have achieved, nothing was given. I strive to be the hardest worker and use that to my advantage when adversity hits. As far as my work ethic I would say I have strong dedication, determination and resilience.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
The most important thing I have learned from my coaching staff at Cortland is see big, think small. This was a phrase our head coach said to us throughout the postseason as well as the national championship game. Being able to see the bigger picture within a play pre snap, while allowing yourself to think small and understand your assignment, alignment, and technique will make you an effective player.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
The biggest accomplishment in my football career is winning the 2023 National Championship hands down. Being my last year, knowing I had emptied the tank and it all had paid off in the end was the greatest feeling I have ever felt.
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
I heard about the combine through The Gridiron Crew
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
I chose the National Scouting Combine because I am ready to take my talent to the next level. I love football and have aspirations to continue my journey. Receiving the right feedback and exposing myself to opportunities is why I chose the NSC.
What do you hope to show people at the combine?
I will show how hard of a worker I am and how effective I can be at my position. I love competition and I want to show I am capable of playing at the next level.
What was your Major?
Strength and Conditioning/Exercise Science
If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
Creating positivity. Nowadays positivity is rare. A lot of people do not realize the better things in life because they are so caught up in the bad instead of seeing the good. Staying faithful, supporting those around you and spreading positivity are very important in a happy and healthy life.
What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
I have 4 siblings, all boys. Growing up I have said this to my teachers and they found it fascinating that my mom was able to deal with 5 boys.
If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
If I had the chance to play another sport professionally it would be mixed martial arts. I love the art of combat and how complex it can be. I also love discipline and self improvement, the putting your head down and grinding mentality. Mixed martial arts is the epitome of that mentality.
Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?
I am involved. I am a volunteer coach for the highschool I graduated from, I am the running backs coach. I also help run legendary football camp, a camp for younger football athletes striving to improve on the field.
