Darrius Casey: 2022 Pro Prospect Interview
Name: Darrius Casey
School: Saint Augustine’s University
Position: S/Nickel
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 200
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
With me having to wait 3 years to play my JR season of college football, one of my goals was just to be prepared to play and finish the season with no excuses. God blessed me and I was able to finish strong and go out with a big win. Another goal of mine was to impact the life of at least 1 player on my team. We had over 40 freshman on our roster so it was important for me to guide 1, if not all. I know the mistakes I made as an 18 year old kid and I didn’t want that for them.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
That extra year not only helped me prepare physically but mentally as well. I spent a lot of time watching football, reading books, learning different things to invest in and even strengthen my relationship with God.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I’m a serious player. I am very passionate about my craft and I do my job, and do it well. And that’s what I emphasized to my teammates the most, doing your job and doing it at a high level.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m studying my opponent, I first focus on the different formations they show. Then Im watching for play recognition, who’s physical and who wants to avoid contact. Which lineman will show me when it’s a run or pass depending on how light or heavy they are on their feet and hands, who’s the quarterbacks favorite receiver and so on. When studying myself I usually start with the plays that I felt like I didn’t give my all in. Then I’m looking at my body posture. If I was too high back peddling, if I looked good flipping my hips and running, if I took bad angles on tackles and so on. I’m looking at a lot when it comes to film. No less than 40 hours a week of watching film.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
First, I would have to say my age. With age comes responsibility, experience, and wisdom. I already know what it feels like to not have football, to be in the real world and go through real life situations that only the strongest can make it out of. I’m not too sure what a lot of other players have been through, but with me being the age I am and having to go through what I’ve been through, I would say my path definitely separates me from the rest.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan is simple: focus on pro day. I plan to focus on putting out the best numbers that I can, especially when it comes to the 40. That starts with heavy speed training, some weight training, yoga, physical therapy and meal prepping. I believe everything else will fall into place if I control what I can control.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field I understand that in the NFL everyone is fast, big and strong. That matters for sure, but finding a way to make a play matters more. I do my job and I can do it fast, physically and mentally at a high level. And my energy is pure. It’s important to bring all those things to a locker room, especially as a rookie. Off the field, I’ll focus on helping the community that I grew up in as much as possible. Growing up in Freetown Village, we only had the boys and girls club. I promise to put my heart into building up Boys & Girls clubs of America.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
With the right guidance, coaching and system I will be a great impact to any program. I’ll play special teams, be a great practice player and a even better man. All I need is an opportunity.
