NAME : D.J. Reed
AGE : 21
POSITION : CB / KR / PR
HEIGHT / WEIGHT : 5'9 / 188
DRAFT PROJECTION : 2-4th
ME : First things first, not everyone gets to say they have declared for the NFL Draft, it’s a huge privilege that only the most talented players on the planet get to say. So, how excited are you to embark on this next chapter?
D.J. : Well it's very exciting! I've been working to achieve this dream since the age of six. Now it's finally here. It is really a blessing from God to have made it this far. My road on this journey has been rough: walking on to Fresno State, to going to Cerritos Community College, and then going to Kansas State. Now the next stop is the NFL.
ME : What was your favorite memory in your time playing college football?
D.J. : My favorite memory would be when I got my pick 6 against Texas Tech. It was thrown by Patrick Mahomes which made it even better because he is a great quarterback. When I intercepted the ball the crowd erupted and it was one of the best feelings I've had in my football career. Also going to the Salvation Army and spending time with children who are less fortunate was really great. I met a kid named Israel and we connected right away. I ended up giving the little man my all white sneakers straight off my feet. I knew that he would never forget thatmoment in his entire life and it was a blesssing meeting him and his family.
ME : What has your time in college done to help prepare you for the next level of football?
D.J. : I kind of already explained my rough journey in college. I would say my mindset separates me from a lot of guys. I will always persevere through any struggles / obstacles in my life. If someone says I can't do something then now I have to do it. I have always had a chip on my shoulder, and that definitely will follow me throughout my NFL career and throughout my whole entire life. At Kansas State I have played in every coverage: from press man, off man, bail technique, cover 2, cover 3, cover 4, etc. I understand the significance of film study, and I understand technique which is vital for a corner. Also I have learned great eye discipline which is the most important tool for a DB to have.
ME : What do you believe you excel at the most when you are on the football field?
D.J. : Honestly I excel at everything. I can do anything, I have elite covering skills, I can tackle, and most importantly I can create turnovers. I can create turnovers by pressing, playing off, playing in cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4, it doesn't matter. I will find a way to get the ball to my offense. I also return kicks pretty well. I was top 5 in the nation in average return yards on kickoff return, and punt return. I was the only player in the nation to do that.
ME : Is there a certain cornerback in the NFL that you look at and say ‘ This is what i want to be in the NFL’ or ‘I see alot of myself in this guy’ ?
D.J. : I would say I am my own, unique self. But people tell me I remind them of Brent Grimes and I can see why. He is considered a small corner but is extremely athletic, he competes for every ball, and he has quick feet that allow him to get out of his break really fast. He also has great ball skills. I can see why we are similar because I have all of those characteristics instilled in my game.
ME : What NFL team did you root for growing up? What player(s) did you idolize growing up as well?
D.J. : Growing up I was a Colts fan. I loved watching Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, and Bob Sanders.
ME : How do you believe you stack up with the other Cornerbacks in this 2018 Class?
D.J. : I believe I'm the best cornerback in this draft. I can do everything. I can cover any WR, from guys in the slot to guys on the outside.
I have great ball skills and I can play in any defensive scheme. I also can return kicks at a high level. I also love pressure and when the game is on the line I want the ball to be thrown at me.
ME : If there was a message you could give to the 32 NFL Teams that will be drafting, what would you say to them? I would say that if you drafted me you would be getting a guy who will come to work everyday and give everything he has to the team. A guy who will separate him self because of his work ethic on the field and off. I am a guy who is always trying to get better, and I will never be satisfied. To simply put it, I feel like I am the steal of the draft. I would also reach out and help the community wherever I get drafted too. That is very important to me as well because I've been in bad situations growing up. So giving back is something I have to do.
9 If football wasn’t your main passion, what do you envision yourself doing as a career? What are some of your hobbies/interests?
10 Is there anything else that you would like to add? Whether it’s a message for the fans, thanking someone, etc?
To the kids, and even adults: you can be anything in this world. It just takes patience, hardwork, determination, and perseverance. Easier said than done but it is very possible. My motto is to just keep working, and induetime everything will make sense.
To the kids, and even adults: you can be anything in this world. It just takes patience, hardwork, determination, and perseverance. Easier said than done but it is very possible. My motto is to just keep working, and induetime everything will make sense.
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