Cody Prewitt is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s draft. A true free safety at Ole Miss, he excelled as a traditional centerfield defender. He is a student of the game who is able to diagnose offenses, anticipate throws and make aggressive breaks on the ball.

On paper, Prewitt (6 foot 2, 217 lbs.) has all the makings of a first-round pick (although his top-end speed leaves something to be desired). But what hurts him as much as anything else is the perception that he regressed during his senior season.

Following a junior season in which he posted six interceptions, seven pass break-ups and two forced fumbles, Prewitt was far quieter as a senior with three interceptions, two pass break-ups and no forced fumbles. Nonetheless, he is quick to shoot down the notion his 2014 campaign was a disappointment.

“I think one of the best attributes of a leader is to be able to develop other leaders,” Prewitt said. “I think I played a big part in that with developing guys like Senquez [Golson], Trae Elston and Tony Conner. I was helping develop those guys as leaders. Once they got to the point where they could lead, then they started making more plays. I’m really proud of those guys. I’m proud of the team and proud of the way we played this past year. For me, I don’t think it was any worse of a season. It was just different.”

Although his numbers were not up to the high standards he set as a junior, his 2014 performance was still strong enough to merit an invite to the Senior Bowl. Prewitt was among the top performers in Mobile, Ala., proving to be a sure tackler and more disruptive than expected near the line of scrimmage.

He seemed comfortable working with the coaching staff of the Jaguars, who are no strangers to developing young players in the secondary. It also helps that Jacksonville head honcho Gus Bradley is a famously aggressive coach, which fits in well with Prewitt’s playing persona.

“Coach [Dave] Wommack, our defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, is a very aggressive guy,” Prewitt said. “We were always blitzing, always running to the ball at full speed, always breaking on the ball. [The Jaguars coaches] expected us to do that, too. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for me.”

The Senior Bowl marked Prewitt’s final time in an Ole Miss helmet. It ends a successful era in which the Rebels won 17 games over the last two seasons. That stretch was littered with standout plays by Prewitt, including a 75-yard pick-six this season against Texas A&M.

But now, Prewitt is focused forward and looking to put himself in the best position to succeed in the NFL, both mentally and physically.

As for mental preparation, he has spoken with Donte Moncrief, a receiver with the Colts who grew up just 15 minutes from Prewitt. As for physical preparation, he is working out at the Madison Healthplex in Mississippi to get himself in the best shape possible in advance of the NFL Combine.

For all his outward efforts, Prewitt recognizes his inward perspective is most important.

“It’s all about being calm,” he said. “You can’t let the stress get to you. You have to be able to take it one day at a time.”

Prewitt added that he does not care whether he plays free safety or strong safety in the NFL. As long as he gets a chance to play on Sundays, he will consider his dream realized.

“For me, I love to play the game,” he said. “I’m willing to make myself work in any position the coaches feel I’d be productive.”

Prewitt is likely to hear his name called anywhere between the second and fourth rounds of the NFL Draft. But given his leadership abilities and stellar intangibles, it would be a surprise if he were available on the draft’s third day.

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