Behind the Facemask: Tyrone Cornileus

July 1, 2011

CORAL GABLES, Fla.–They are stories of perseverance. Stories about growing up, becoming men and being a part of a family. One-by-one, we hear from them. These are the Miami Hurricanes…

Tyrone Cornileus | Defensive Back | Sophomore | Stone Mountain, Ga.

At the U, I’ve learned so much from friends, teammates and coaches.

Coach Barrow has helped me out a lot, especially in my spiritual and religious aspect of life. He’s helped me get through any stressful situations, as well as be a good coach. He’s coached me to see the full of my potential.

My favorite thing about being part of the U Family is the bond we all have. It’s nice having all the NFL guys around. It makes me want to follow their footsteps and one day walk around like they do, so I can shed light on other college students once I make it.

One thing everyone should know about Miami football is that we work hard.

The actor I would want to play me in a movie is Denzel Washington.

Other than football, I’m talented at drawing. I’ve been drawing since I was little. It’s not a hobby, it’s just something I like to do. I draw random things. I usually use pencil.

The song no one would believe I have on my iPod is “Moment  in Time” by Cherish.

If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be my family.

Georgia, the first thing that comes to mind are my friends, my home, and my times and memories from high school.

Transitioning wasn’t very difficult for me. It’s a lot different of a lifestyle from high school to college. As far as getting acclimated to the city, though, it wasn’t a big change. It’s another part of life that you have to get through.

The most influential person in my life is my mom.

Coming to Miami was a personal choice that I made regardless of my personal transition. Now all my family roots for me. I have one older brother and one older sister. My sister is 23, she graduated from the University of Florida. My older brother is 32, he’s in Japan in the Marines. I’ve got a house divided, because both my parents went to Florida too, a lot of aunts and uncles as well.

When I played football as a kid, I pretended to be Eric Dickerson. I switched from running back when I was in 11th grade. Linebacker was the main position that I played throughout my life, and it really became my position in high school. I miss running the ball sometimes.

Playing football has given me motivation to make it to the top. It’s made me a better competitor, just as far as life goes with anything. It helps me out with everything, especially as a stress reliever.

Coach Golden and the new coaching staff have all made a lot of changes so far, and they’ve been pretty good. I see a positive future for the Golden Era.

People might be surprised to know that I’m more on the quiet side. I don’t’ talk to a lot of people. I’m a Tweeter though.

My mom works for ESPN, she’s the VP of Human Resources there. I went up there, kind of like a late Mother’s Day trip for her. I had never been up to Bristol, because she left for there when I went to college. She toured me across the whole ESPN campus, showed me the studios, I got to meet Matt Hasselbeck and Cris Carter.

My favorite song right now is “Not a Star” by Rick Ross and Lil Wayne.

My favorite midnight snack is something sweet, like ice cream.

I never thought college football would be as hard as it is. I never thought I would make it to this top tier level of football.

If I was a superhero, my special power would be to be invisible, to fly, and to read people’s minds.

I was raised to be a gentleman by my mom. I was raised to be responsible for myself and my actions. I was raised to be a Son of God, and to be a peaceful person. It’s funny being a football player you’re still peaceful in your mindset, but as far as physicality goes, you have to flip a switch at one point. Otherwise you’ll end up being soft.

My dad is a huge part of my life and I give him credit for getting me to the level of competition that I am at today. He has been preparing me since I was five years old playing youth football. He helps me make the best decisions on and off the field. I’m thankful for having two good solid parents that are always looking over me, making sure that I’m in the best position in life at all times.

My pregame superstition is I imagine myself making plays. I think about making the big hit, or returning an interception for a touchdown. My pregame soundtrack consists of Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, people like that.

Best advice is to probably stay at peace, and never let the negative things get you down or feel like you can’t do anything. Always strive for perfection, and try to be happy.

Make sure to check in for a new Behind the Facemask profile each and everyday in preparation for the Hurricane football season opener. For a review of all past profiles, check out Behind the Facemask Central.