C.J. Germany was invited to take part in the Los Angeles Rams minicamp on May 12. We spoke with him about what that process was like, what he has learned at Notre Dame College, and what he is looking forward to.
 
When did you hear the news that the Los Angeles Rams wanted to bring you in for minicamp?
 
Yesterday, I was in the car with [teammate] BJ Baldwin and Alexis Manoa, who plays soccer. They called me and told me he wanted me to be on standby because he was going to call back later and invite me to camp in LA. I was thinking, 'Is this the Chargers or the Rams?' He said it was the Rams. Then I was just happy. It was a blessing to me.
 
Who was it that called you?
 
His name was [Chance] Trickett. It was one of their scouts.
 
What was it like being in the car with a teammate?
 
BJ helped me renew my faith in God, so it was kind of meant to be. At first I was wondering when this was going to happen, but I just figured that it all happens on God's time and not my own. With [BJ] helping me with my faith it was meant to be.
 
What had you heard about your potential in the NFL?
 
My agent had said that I could go as high as the sixth round, but I figured I might go undrafted. I was just banking on a call after the draft. When I didn't get one, I didn't hang my head, but it felt like I was letting a lot of people down. All of my friends that entered the draft signed to Canadian or NFL teams so I was wondering if I was going to get a shot.
 
When did it actually sink in that you were going to compete for a spot in the NFL?
 
It didn't feel fully real at first. When it finally sunk in it was unbelievable. I just come from this small school and they came to find me. It proved to me that no matter where you come from, you can get looked at if you're noticeable enough. I'm glad I was noticeable enough to them and that they found me. It was really exciting.
 
The NDC football program started in 2009. The team is not even a decade old and you are the third player to get an invite to an NFL camp. What does that say about this program?
 
This program is up and coming. We have great coaches. There have been a few coaching changes, but it's all for the better. They recruit great guys and we have great guys on the staff. They mold us well. They teach us what to say and what not to say. They teach us how to act and have good characters. They get guys with good character and I'm just happy they recruited me.
 
I was talking to [former head coach Bill] Rychel yesterday and thanked him for getting me to come here and giving me the opportunity to play.
 
How important is the character building process been for you at NDC?
 
The people you surround yourself with are the people that build your character. On social media, and in life, if you put out derogatory things or things that put people down it shows your character. A coach, a [general manager] or a scout will look at your social media and they'll evaluate you in person. The things you say to them, how you speak, they're going to see your character. A school like this that builds guys to have great character helps a lot. They put you in the right position to succeed.
 
What have you learned at NDC that you will carry with you?
 
Being from the east side of Cleveland is way different than being in South Euclid. There are things people can say there that you can't do at a prestigious school like this. You can't just say anything and look at people a certain way. You can't do anything you want. You have to act accordingly. They saw potential in me. How can I slap somebody in the face like that and do things that would reflect poorly on them? Showing respect and learning how to do things the right way. Also, just like you can't lean on your own understanding with God, you can't do everything by yourself. You'll always need help from somebody so you have to treat people right and do the right thing.
 
How have you stayed focused this offseason, and how do you keep that focus going into next week?
 
The night before and the process going through, you just have to mold your mind to know what you're there for. If a scout comes to talk to you, you have to be ready to look them in the eye with square shoulders and everything. As far as everything else, I have tunnel vision. I'm trying to make a name for myself.
 
How much discipline has it taken for you to train all offseason with no guarantees that this would happen?
 
When you love the game, the discipline will be there. You don't have to be motivated if you're committed to something. I'm going to find a way to train. I'm going to find a way to take my game to the next level. I'm going to pick up speed and mentally take the next step. I'm not worried about outside things. I'm focused on my goal.
 
What's the reaction from people been like?
 
I haven't even checked all of my messages yet. I have over 200 messages on Snapchat, over 300 tweets, a bunch of messages from people I don't even know. But I'm getting back to everybody.
 
When does minicamp start for the Rams?
 
Next weekend. So I'll leave next Thursday, the 11th. I'm going to be ready to go. I can't wait. I'm excited for it.
 
What are you feeling about going out to Los Angeles?
 
It's more excitement than anything. I'm not too nervous about it. If I'm nervous, then I probably shouldn't be in this situation. But I've never been to the West Coast so it's going to be my first time seeing palm trees and feeling that hot weather all the time. It's going to be fun.
 
What are you most excited about for minicamp?
 
Definitely competing against those first round draft picks. The guys that were looked over like me can come in and make a name for ourselves. They found me for a reason; it's so I can compete with these guys. I'm looking to beat them out. It's all about business, nothing personal to anybody. I'm just coming to take a spot.
 
You're graduating this year, right?
 
Yes. I'll be graduating this weekend with a degree in criminal justice.
 
Eight days until you leave for LA. What are your plans?
 
Training, rehabbing, hydrating. I know it's going to be hot out there. I'm going to go on the internet and look at the facilities so I have my mind ready. I want to be as prepared as I possibly can. I don't want to be surprised by anything.