NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Darian Yahyavi, DB, Murray State

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: Darian Yahyavi, DB, Murray State

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
None really, a couple D3 schools. Just wasn’t quite developed yet.

How did you come to make your college decision?
Junior College helped me physically and mentally prepare myself for the next level, and matured me enough to make my decision to go to Murray State.

Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?
I’ve been training at school and will try to head to a facility for a couple weeks before pro-day. I’m trying to show how fluid my footwork is and how well I can move. I’m focusing on the skill work drills just as much as the testing drills.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
I have not spoken with any scouts personally yet.

At your position, what separates you from the others?
I think my ability to dissect offenses as a DB really helps me. Route combos and certain tips I pick up on in the film room really give me an edge I try to use to my advantage.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
Biggest things I key are WR’s releases off the line (hands and feet), route combo’s and how they run routes, to kind of see if they give away any hints. I also check the quarterbacks eyes, drops, and reads to see if he also gives away his throws. Last thing is keying the lineman, gotta be able to come fill in run support.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
Dorial Green-Beckham and Kelvin Benjamin

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
Maybe Dee Milliner or Brent Grimes. I don’t think either two are freakishly athletic but I think both play with solid footwork and solid fundamentals.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
Probably not picking up any offers until after signing day in junior college. I just stayed patient and when 1 came in they all came in a hurry.

What system fits your style of play the best?
I feel like any system fits my style of play. I can play multiple positions and like to think I’m very coachable. I love to learn about the game so I’m willing to do anything a coach and team needs me to do.

What is your biggest strength?
Reading route combos in zone coverage. Playing off man coverage and being aggressive when the balls in the air.

What is your biggest weakness?
My physicality in press coverage, need to move my hands and feet better on the line.

If I were a GM and gave you a minute to sell yourself, what would you say?
You’d get a hard working and dedicated football player that will come in and do his job in any way needed. You’d get a fiery and aggressive player that will sacrifice his needs for the greater good of the team.

Growing up, who was your role model?
Kobe Bryant ever since I was little. His attitude towards sports is ideal for me because I love them and take them seriously. Also loved watching Champ Bailey play.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
San Diego Chargers because I was born and raised there.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
Kobe Bryant, Deion Sanders, and Achilles

What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?
Not sure, probably just put it in an account and save it. Hopefully I can make that decision if that time comes.

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

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button