At the 2016 HBCU Celebration bowl, in a one-on-one matchup, the offensive team’s receiver catches a touchdown for his team. But after a replay, it was determined that the receiver was not in full control of the ball, therefore it was ruled an incomplete pass. This story is NOT about that receiver claiming redemption, it is about the defensive back who used that moment to gain his confidence back. Nolan Corpening responded two plays later with a crucial breakup to get his unit off the field. “3 years of coach ripping my confidence doesn’t matter anymore. This moment made me remember who I was as a player.” Fast forward to 2024, and Nolan Corpening II is a professional football player for the LG OLED Las Rozas Black Demons in Spain’s LNFA 1.
The Corpening Origin Story
Corpening grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his dad got him involved in track and field at a very early age. By the time he was 6 years old, Nolan was playing flag football, and it became his preferred sport by the time he was 12 years old. “Being an inner city kid with other talent around , it created a certain competitiveness that carried on throughout my athletic career.” Corpening is a defensive specialist, and credits some of his play-style mentors to former NFL stars Ed Reed and Champ Bailey.
To Be the Best, You Have to Beat the Best
Success was the norm for Nolan as a youngster playing football, whether playing offense or defense. He finished his High School career as one of the best skill players in the Charlotte area, being rated a 2 star recruit at the time. “My proudest high school moments come from me competing on the college camp circuit constantly shutting down D1 receivers at Corner and winning co-mvp my senior season in the hardest conference in all of North Carolina Football.”
Football Can Change A Life
Nolan is very open about his personal growth through the game of football, and was willing to give me great insight into his journey. “My challenges came mostly in college , where my attitude and confidence needed to be molded into a positive manner. Walking through the door I look more like a track athlete than a football player. So at times, a younger Nolan would put myself out there so I would have no choice but to defend my ability. In a team atmosphere where we have to compete against our teammates first in fall camp and practice, it was not as healthy as it should’ve been. My production was consistent but not falling in line or respecting who was in front of me was an issue for our Cornerback room my freshman year. My love for the game and community has been the same since my beginnings. I have always given back what I learned and passed on confidence and resilience to others.”
Playing Style of Nolan Corpening
Charlotte produces athletes, and Nolan Corpening is one of them. The defensive back credits his playing style directly to where he was raised. Quick footed, fast, and the ability to compete would be a brief description of Corpening on the field. Having seen him play personally, I would had that he has the “it” factor that makes him a big play type on either side of the ball. His ability to play both sides of the ball allows him to have a greater impact on a single game, making him the complete x-factor.
“The way I play is a direct reflection of where I’m from. I am the outcome of this and it led to me teaching others and continuing to set the standard for those who came behind me."
Player/Coach Life
Nolan Corpening is currently playing for the Las Rozas Black Demons, but he is much more than that. Corpening is also the Defensive Backs coach for the Black Demons Junior and Senior teams. He has always been a leader/teacher when it comes to the game of football.
“My high school showed that elite athletes were in Charlotte, mainly because we were the first to have the right coaching . This led me to teaching the coaching what I had learned in high school to the little league players and the middle school players. Even into my overseas career, I am consistently coaching Defensive backs and junior teams. Giving back the knowledge is huge to me and I will continue to coach after my playing career is over.”
Reflection
“The most beautiful aspect of my football career is that I can truly say I grew as a man with the game . From finding success and confidence with my talents , to understanding that the response to competition will make or break an athlete, to seeing what is too much confidence and it can blind you to the reality , and finally seeing what a championship culture is and feels like. I won 3 conference championships in college. Coming overseas my first few seasons, I was thankful for the opportunity, but then I wanted others to learn what a champion's mentality really is. In my last 3 seasons I have played in a championship game. Winning only one, but learning along the way on how to show my team how to walk , talk, and to think like a champion . Pressure is the privilege of the capable; added with the heat of our environment will eventually cut that diamond out the rough or crumble those who are not."
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