NFL Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Deauntre Roberts, Defensive Back
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 Deauntre’s journey on Twitter @king_Rob3rts
1.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I wanted to become a football player because everyone would always say “you’re too small pick another sport” and so at first I wanted to prove everyone wrong that I can be just as good as the dudes that are bigger than me so at first it was to prove the doubters wrong but the older I got I just wanted to better my life for my family and do what makes me happy.
2.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
If I could hang out with any football player it would have to be Deion Sanders just so I could pick his brain about techniques and just try to learn as much as I can in a day.
3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?
My mindset on the field is to eat or starve. I may not have the same physical features as some players but I want to show that I can play on the same if not a higher level than them.
4. What sets you apart from other defensive backs?
My grit and grind, knowledge of the game, and just my pure determination is what sets me apart from other DB’s. I never had it easy when it came to anything life, sports etc so I had to lower my head and power through it all whether it was injuries or just life in general. I never had the red carpet rolled out for me. When it comes to my knowledge I learn from everyone whether it’s the pop warner coach or my current teammates DeeTray Matthews, and Kendrick Harper who is constantly teaching me whether it’s about on the field stuff or off the field I am always in learning mode.
5. What skill do you think that you have translates to the NFL well?
I think my skill is what will translate to the NFL the best. A lot of WR’s have speed and I think that’s what will help me stay on top of routes and be able to recover.
6.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?
The keys to success on the field is to me in my opinion health both mental and physical, and just being a student of the game at all times and be willing to apply what you have learned and implement it into your game.
7.What do you hope to achieve as a football player going forward?
I hope to achieve team success which is my #1 thing but I also would just like to be remembered a lot of times I feel like I’m overlooked whether it’s by scouters or the people in my town so I guess I just want to be remembered as the guy who never gave up and to be someone younger generations can look up to.
8.What is your favorite workout?
My favorite sheesh this is tough it would have to be curls or a back workout if we’re talking about weight room workouts. Curls for obvious reasons the biceps but I chose back because having a huge back just make you look 5x bigger and plus my old lady likes it lol.
9.What are your biggest traits on the football field?
My biggest traits on the field is my awareness and again just my knowledge being in the right places during certain situations and knowing.
10. What would a team get in a player like you?
A team would get everything out of me and then some what I mean by that is they would get 110% out of me I am willing to do whatever it takes for my team and to be successful whether that’s me changing positions or changing up my technique I am a true workaholic when it comes to football. I don’t like to be outworked or shown up so I will do anything in my power to keep that from happening.
11. What makes you think that you would be a successful player in the NFL?
Like I just stated I DON’T LIKE TO BE OUTWORKED so for someone to be successful they have to be willing to do the dirty work which I am so just being there isn’t enough for me and success isn’t an option it’s a lifestyle.
12.What has been your biggest challenge in life?
My biggest challenge in life is just blocking out all the hate and negativity. I battle with this till this day people talk down because of my size or people from back home look down and over look me because I ain’t a first round draft pick and sometimes that stuff gets to me but I was always told people will hate on you no matter what and they will try to put limitations on you because they can’t achieve it and that’s why I continue to thrive because I have that motivation that helps me remember why i work so hard. So I would have to that is by far my biggest challenge.
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