NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ben Dupree, Offensive Weapon, The Citadel

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: Ben Dupree, Offensive Weapon, The Citadel

 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
Coming out of high school, only three teams offered me. Navy, Lehigh, and The Citadel.
How did you come to make your college decision?

I chose The Citadel because I did not want to go into the Navy and The Citadel plays against great competition.
Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?

I was originally going to train back home in Harrisburg, PA with a great trainer named Ryan Mackes. But I decided to go back to school to get my degree and train with our strength coach, Donnell Boucher.
Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
Scouts really want to see my ability to return punts, since I did not do it in college. I got the opportunity to return punts down at the National Bowl All-Star game in Miami this past December. I had two punt returns for 46 yards so I believe I proved that I have the skill set to return punts

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I believe my natural position is RB, but I also can play in the slot. I believe what separates me from players similar to me is my versatility and ability to make people miss, while also having the ability to run away from defenders. You may look at me and think I am very small, but I weigh 190 lbs which is big enough to play RB in the NFL. (Darren Sproles is listed at 185-190) I also think that by playing college at a Division 1 level allowed me to gain knowledge about football that most RBs don’t have. The last thing that I believe separates me is the fact that I go to a military school, so all i know is discipline and that great character takes you the farthest in life.
Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
When breaking down film, I look for ways to be able to tell what the defense is going to do before they do it.
Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
The toughest player I ever faced in high school was Jordan Hill, who now plays DT for the Seattle Seahawks. The toughest player I ever played against in college was JJ Wilcox who now plays Safety for the Cowboys.

 

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

If I could compare my play to one person in the NFL it would be Darren Sproles. We are the same exact size and I believe I can do everything he does.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome in my life was being benched the first game of my freshmen year at college. I won the job in camp as the starting QB and lost it in the 2nd quarter of the first game. I did not go back under center until week 9 of that season. But I started every game of my career after that. After I overcame that, I knew I could overcome anything.
What system fits your style of play the best?
I believe the spread type of offense fits my style the best because I can play RB or Slot in that type of offense, but I believe I can adapt to any system I am in.
What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my quickness. If I see you, 9 times out of 10 I will make you miss. I also can stop on a dime and cut any direction.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is that I have played QB the majority of my life so it will take some reps for me to get completely comfortable at another position

 

If I were a GM and gave you a minute to sell yourself, what would you say?
I am extremely versatile on the football field. I can play RB, Slot, PR, and KR with the knowledge of a division 1 college QB. I went to military school, and I can guarantee you that I will not bring any off the field issues to the table.
Growing up, who was your role model?
Growing up, my role model was Allen Iverson
Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
My favorite team in the NFL is the Dallas Cowboys, and my favorite player in the NFL is LeSean McCoy. Shady is my favorite player because if you go by his combine drills his athleticism is very much average. But once he steps on the field, he is the quickest player and nobody in this world can tackle him one on one. I truly believe he is the most complete back in the league and is arguably the best RB in the league.
If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
If I had the ability to have dinner with three people in this world, it would be Floyd Mayweather, Meek Mill, and Jameis Winston.
What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?
My first NFL paycheck, I am giving both of my sisters $2,000 a piece, buying a car, then I’m saving the rest for a rainy day lol

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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