Name: De’Vijan Franklin
School: Slippery Rock University
Position: CB
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 191

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

I set out to be the best me I can possibly be on and off the field. I wanted to lead by example which I was able to do this past season and have a better season than the previous. Although I wanted to go to a National Championship with my team this past 2021 season, we still were able to have a good season winning our division and making the NCAA playoffs.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I trained hard on a consistent basis and the time during Covid in 2020 allowed me to become more of a professional such as having a routine to follow day in and day out, eating good, being with the right people, keeping my relationships tight, watching film, and just getting 1% better each and every day.

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

I believe my coaches and teammates would say that I am one of the hardest workers, if not the hardest worker on the field. I am very highly competitive and I hate losing even on that practice field. I play with confidence. I believe they would also point out that I am comfortable with being uncomfortable and in the face of adversity I am always taking strides forward. I am no quitter.

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

There are a lot of things I focus on while watching film to improve my game. I would say focusing on my opponent and understanding what they want to do out of a certain formation helps me a lot as such as what the receivers want to do out of a certain alignment or split benefits me a lot. What is their game plan when they have a press corner against them? What are they looking to do against an off corner playing a zone technique? That benefits my game a lot because I am already one step ahead and film study is crucial for a player’s success. When I am self evaluating, I am looking at how I am lined up against my WR. What am I doing wrong at the line of scrimmage? How are my feet? How can I be in a even better position to make sure I match this route effectively? Am I false stepping while bailing? Am I false stepping while breaking? I love to point out the wrong I’m doing instead of the good in the film room so that I am chasing perfection.

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

I take the little things seriously such as what I am putting in my body, the amount of film I watch, being able to stay consistent and so on. I am a coachable player who’s mentally strong and has a next play mentally. Physically, I am a long cornerback with great range and a skill set to also play Free Safety. I also take special teams very serious and will give it my all 100% of the time.

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

I’m currently going through combine/ pro day training with Grossetti Performance in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Terry Grossetti is doing a great job making sure we train at a high level and has individuals talk to us through zoom and provide us with information regarding the next level and the steps we should be taking. I pay close attention and try to take advantage of the gems they drop so that I am prepared and ready for whatever comes my way.

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

I’ll always be competitive out on the football field. I hate losing and I am passionate about the sport of football. I will do whatever is going to get me on that field and I’ll risk it all. Off the field, I am a great person. Anyone will tell you, I’m one of the nicest people to be around and I treat everyone with respect. No matter if you’re a CEO of a big company or a janitor at a middle school. I treat everyone with respect and make sure they’re okay.

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

I don’t like to lose and I am truly confident that I got what it takes to be balling on a NFL field on Sundays!