Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Delvon Hardaway, Wide Receiver

Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL, CFL, and XFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read this interview and follow his journey on Twitter @_IamHardaway

1.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?

The best they’ve yet to see. I am exactly that. With few opportunities to do so being overlooked and college injuries. I have been in the shadows working harder than anyone, more discipline, more skilled, more consistent, and more focused. Every field I have touched every opportunity I have been given. I have displayed this and backed up my words. Once in the NFL, I will show what I know, that I am the best and a lot of guys don’t stand a chance.

2.What is your favorite workout?

I train! Working out is merely putting in effort with no desired goal or outcome.  Training allows me to pinpoint exactly where it is I need to improve and put together a detailed plan. Whether it be on the field, in the gym, pilates, or meditation/ manifestations To answer your question all of them because I’m equally committed to them all.

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

I am the best. That nobody can guard me. That I am a game-changer. I constantly tell myself “ They can’t Fu** with you.”

4.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

Overcoming 2 ACL surgeries, being taken off of scholarship, and told my career is over, proving those who said these things wrong and returning to be better than ever and playing at an elite level.

5.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Chad Johnson. Not only would it be entertaining, but he was a trendsetter for the position and I think his work is very under-appreciated. I have similarities in my game to him and I believe I could gain a lot of knowledge and insight.

6.What do you do for fun?

Play video games, hang with my girlfriend, family, friends.

7.What do you hope to achieve as a football player going forward?

To reach the professional level, play at an elite level, win a super bowl, Walter Payton Man of the Year gets well compensated, and reach Canton.

8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Out of all the sports I played growing up it was just the one I gravitated towards most. My passion for it was just greater than the others.

9.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

The most recent experience I had. Playing in the Spring League in San Antonio and putting on great performances while reviving my Career and also just spending a month with a bunch of great guys. Also pro day in college it was very fun and the environment was amazing a lot of people feel pressure on those days and are nervous. For me it was a culmination of a bunch of hard work.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a playmaker someone who on the field has every tool you need. Size, speed, skill, talent, route running, physical, smart. Everything you need. A team-first guy who wants nothing more than to win. Off the field a great man. A man of God, a leader, a person of good character, and great judgment. Someone who wants to be the best and loves this game, someone who’s going to show up every day.

11.Rank focus,footwork and skill based on what is most important to you as a football player and explain why?

Skill. Focus. Footwork. Skill is the most important. People often confuse skill and talent. Talent is what people refer to as God-given what you born with. Skill is what you work on! What you develop. Skill reflects the work you put in.. the commitment. The dedication and attention to detail of your craft. Being able to add new tools and philosophies throughout your career, being able to adapt yet remain elite. That’s a skill. Focus  Being able to focus most importantly on right now. The task at hand. The down and distance needed. The points needed. The situation. Being able to focus on the now. Focusing on your technique and the work needed to be done today ultimately after a while determines your skill. Then obviously being able to see the bigger picture and also focus on that and not get caught up in all the little distractions the profession presents. Footwork. Meshing in with the 2 stated above footwork is critical. Being able to create separation or set guys up. Getting in and out of routes quickly and efficiently, not once but a million times even when you fatigued. Knowing how to run every route. Speed cuts, power cuts, double moves. Footwork is a big part of the receiver position.

12.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

The energy to WIN! To compete! And have fun.