Former Glenville cornerback V'Angelo Bentley knows exactly who he is as a person.
"On the field I am just a savage," he said. "Off the field i am a guy that is very humble, likes to give back."
The former Illinois cornerback is headed to the New England Patriots, where he signed as an undrafted free agent. During his college years he became the only player in school history to return a punt, kickoff, fumble, and interception for a touchdown.
"I think it is just a testament to my hard work and the countless hours I put in in the offseason and my ability to score any time i get the ball in my hands," Bentley explained.
Off the field Bentley enjoys mentoring children. He developed a strong relationship with a young boy named Colby, who can't play sports because he is losing his vision.
"I just want to be his joy," Bentley explained. "I just want to be a positive role model for him and that excitement so he can live through me."
Bentley told newsnet5.com's Lauren Brill that his role models were his parents. His mother went to Afghanistan twice to serve the country.
"She would always just want me to be positive and not want me to think about what was going on in Afghanistan." he recalled. "She just wanted me to take care of what I had to do here."
Bentley remained focus, which helped him to became a player and person that is ready for the next level.
"They are going to get a hard worker. They are going to get someone who is going to give a whole new vibe and energy to the organization," Bentley explained in regards to what New England can expect from him.
Growing up in the inner city of Cleveland, Bentley decided who he wanted to be at a young age. He now is embarking on an opportunity in the NFL because he made the choice to not be the same as everyone else.
"Just wanting to be different," Bentley said. "It's easier to follow than it is to be different, so just having the courage to be different."
