Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Anthony Dean, WR, Southwest Minnesota State

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Anthony Dean, WR, Southwest Minnesota State

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Not too many teams were recruiting me out of high because I took my junior year off to focus and basketball and school work. The junior year is so vital in the recruiting process in high school and I had an ok senior season, nothing too major.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Southwest Minnesota State because I liked the way that their offense was setup. I also had a teammate from high school that went there a year before and we were good friends, and he said he liked the program as well.

What were your goals for your senior year?

I wanted to have an All- American season and lead my team to its first winning season in ten years and make the playoffs. I also wanted to lead the nation in all receiving categories.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

Yes, I’ve spoken with a good number of scouts and they’re mostly saying that they liked my performance that I had at my pro day at the University of Minnesota and that I seemed to be a nice red zone and deep threat.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

What separates me from other receivers is what I can do after I catch the ball. I’m always looking to get to the end zone by any means necessary. I like to call it Yactivity!

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

I look for multiple things such as how a DB approaches the receiver in a particular coverage. If the DB is aggressive or not whether it’s how he plays the run or pass. I also look to see if the DB is easily rattled from aggressive play. Another thing I like to study is if a DB will get down on himself after getting a touchdown or big play made on. I watch for how the DBs move around prior to the ball being snapped to see how they like to disguise their coverage. Since I’m a guy that looks to make a move up field after the catch I like to study how the DB comes down hill to make the tackle to see what moves would work or not work after the catch. 

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

I would have to say the player that gave me the most consistent competition throughout the whole game would be Marvin Matthews, CB from St. Cloud. He’s a real physical boundary corner that plays well disciplined and move very well to the ball.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

I wouldn’t say my game play is like anyone’s in the NBA but if I had to pick one person it would be Dez Bryant because of yards after catch factor.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle that I’ve to overcome was when I lost my grand dad and my aunt and one my teammates in my freshman year in college. It took a lot of praying and talking to my parents to overcome it. The only time that I wouldn’t think about all those things that had happen was when I was on the football field, so I would say that football also helped me to overcome that as well.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I can fit into any type of offense, but if I had to choose one that would fit me the best I would say a spread offense.

What is your biggest strength?

That I can see a positive in everything and will always give my best effort.

What is your biggest weakness?

Losing

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I would say that I can bring three things to your franchise. Character, tenacity and hard work. I’m all about the team and the overall good for the team, nothing in my background or history says otherwise. As far as tenacity goes I’m an extremely determined person and am more than hungry to be successful. And I will outwork anyone in front of me.

Growing up, who was your role model?

I would say that my mom was my role model growing because she is such a strong woman! She was a single mom to my sister and me growing up and always found a way for us to have it all and not miss out any opportunities. She’s now a chief in the Air Force. She’s the most determined and hardworking person I know. If she says she’s going to do something and achieve it, she does it. She sets goals for herself that some would say are untouchable and achieves them. On top of that she’s ALWAYS looking to improve and progress. I try to take after and carry all of those traits that she possesses. 

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

The Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis. I lived in Maryland for 9 years and I’ve always loved the extreme passion that Ray Lewis had for the game of football day in and day out.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

When my teammate Ben Bundy collapsed right in front of me during morning workouts from a brain aneurism and passed away later that day. It took tons of praying and being around the rest of teammates and friends to overcome it.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

My PA PA that passed away when I was 8. Jerry Rice and President Obama.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

I would pay for my auntie to get some better treatment for her colon cancer that she’s fighting right now.