Name: Dominique Dafney
School: Indiana State
Position: WR/TE/FB
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 236

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

My goal for my final season was to make an impact on offense as well as on special-teams. I had a lot of success on special teams during my years at Iowa, but this season I wanted to show what a weapon I could be on offense whether it was blocking, running the ball or catching the ball. In reviewing the past season, I believe I was able to accomplish my goals. I was named to the All-Missouri 2nd team, the All-Newcomer 1st team and set the 4th best rushing performance in school history.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I’m a very serious, focused, and dedicated football player whether it’s in the film room or on the practice field. They would say that I take film sessions very seriously and I’m a person who is not afraid to ask questions whether it’s about running plays, our schemes, my footwork, my route running technique, or my blocking technique. Also, they would say I’m a team first person who brings energy and positive vibes to the office everyday. I treat everyone with respect regardless of their title and I truly see the team as a family.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

When studying film, I focus on my techniques such as my route running, my footwork in and out of cuts, my blocking technique, as well as my center of gravity to make sure I’m not on my heels when running routes or out of control when I’m trying to get in and out of cuts. I study to make sure that I’m not keying my routes or giving them away allowing the DB or LB to react quickly to my cuts so that I can create separation when in one on one coverage. Also, I study coverages in order to determine whether they’re playing zone or man which will allow my to find the soft spot in a zone or were a defense might be weak in man coverage. It’s a weekly basis thing but I try to study coverages during the week so on Saturday (and hopefully Sunday) I can see coverages during the game and be able to get open.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

Some things that separate me from others is my size, my strength, my ability to find gaps in the defense, as well as my versatility on the offensive of side of the ball. As a bigger and taller player, I’m able to fight through contact, break through arm and ankle tackles, become a matchup nightmare, block very well on the edge and in the trenches, and just be physical on all aspects. Also, I can run all routes, catch balls in a wide radius, as well as run the ball. Very similar to a Taysom Hill type player, I am well rounded. Another attribute that sets me apart from others is I love playing special teams and have a passion for them, like Taysom. Many people can’t make teams because they are not willing to play special teams but I have experience playing special teams at the Big Ten and Missouri Valley levels. I know I could be an asset on those teams at the pro level.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My plan this off-season is to build strength, speed, and to keep improving on my route running ability as well as continue studying film in learning more defensive coverages as well as just studying different offenses that are ran in the NFL so that I could be prepared when I get to the next level. At 235 pounds, I don’t feel I need to gain weight but try will maintain where I am. I will continue to eat healthy, work on speed drills and gain more flexibility to make sure that come Pro Day (which is March 30th @ Indiana State) I will be at my peak level of performance in order to show scouts that I should be playing at the next level.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My main strength will be my versatility! Whether it is on offense or on special teams, I’ll be able to do a lot based on my size, strength, speed and experience. I can contribute by blocking, tackling, running the ball and catching the ball. I’m a match up challenge for the defense whether in the red zone or lined up in the slot against a safety or linebacker. I have a large catch radius and am willing to make the hard catches coming across the middle as well as on the sideline. Off the field, one thing I took from playing at the University of Iowa was how to be a true professional and truly dedicated to football. Whether it’s getting in extra hours of film study, extra treatment or learning how to be a good person in the community and giving back to those less fortunate. I know how to be a true professional and represent the program and the city in a positive manner. I am a person that any organization would be proud to have on their team.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

My final pitch would be that I am an athlete and a person who is extremely dedicated, focused, and willing to give 110% to the team and to the program. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be on the team. Whether it is on offense, special teams, defense, or even practice squad, whatever they need me to do I’m going to do it full speed every day. I’m going to be a person that they’re able to rely on and trust to get the job done as well as to represent their program at an elite level whether it is on or off the field. I’m the type of person that’s going to come in early and leave late and ask as many questions as possible in order to be successful. I’m going to keep fighting to be the best regardless of what it takes or what I have to do to be the best because I’m passionate about playing football as well as it’s been my dream to play in the NFL. I completely focused on and committed to preparing myself for the opportunities that are in front of me.