Name: Omardrick Douglas
School: Southeast Missouri State University
Position: OLB
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 232
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goal I set for my final collegiate year was to leave it all out on the field playing my best ball, and to have no regrets I have been playing football since I was 6 years old, I wanted to take everything I learned from that time and leave my mark on the field, with my teammates, and coaches.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I believe I took full advantage of the opportunity of the extra year of eligibility. I had the opportunity to play with a lot of great teammates in the past and I feel I finally got my shot to be the guy my teammates could count on to make plays and as an overall leader. I ended with 1st team All conference honors so I know I did what I needed to do to get noticed.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say I am a very hard worker and that I will put the team before myself. We had a saying at SEMO which was to “Sign Off” with everything you do and it means to always do your best. I believe I did that week in and week out from the field to the classroom and building relationships with my coaches and teammates that will last a life time.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film I focus on my read steps and hand placement when getting off blocks. As a linebacker having a fast processor to diagnose plays is important so any wasted step can be bad so I try to limit any Miss steps while diagnosing a play. When it comes to hand placement it is important playing on the edge, there is a point of attack to every play and when that play comes to the outside where i place my hands can be the difference between getting off a block and making a play or being stalemated with tackle or tight end.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects is the fact I refuse to let anyone outwork me. I was not recruited highly out of high school and only earned 1 partial D1 scholarship. Through perseverance and faith I earned a full scholarship and after redshirting I went on to be a 4 year starter and key contributor. I also believe I take care of my body through rehab and prehab and recovery more than anyone I know.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My off-season plan is to get faster and stronger and work on my technique as far as getting better with pass drops and reading the eyes and shoulders of QBs and man coverage and adding more pass rush moves to my arsenal. I also plan expanding my knowledge of the game watching and breaking down film, and getting on the white board in the classroom.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I am very long and athletic I played basketball majority of my life while playing football I feel as even though Even if I can not get a sack I can create pass break ups and condensing the pocket making it harder on QBs to throw as well as being able to run sideline to sideline and defeating blocks. I also have a very fast processor that allows me to diagnose plays offenses want to run. I am very versatile as to where you can put me I can play in the field as well as the boundary. I’ve never played in the middle but if a team needs me to play there I will.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL and other pro leagues is you will not regret picking me to be apart of your organization. I know there are thousands of guys with the same dream and aspirations as me but you will not find another harder working, self determined, great teammate and person than me. I stayed at the same university for 6 years through losing seasons and winning seasons. I believe I can make an impact on and off the field where ever I end up.