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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dejoun Lee, RB/KR, Delaware

Dejoun Lee, RB/KR, Delaware
DeJoun Lee is a shifty back out of the University of Delaware that was named the CAA Offensive Player of the Year for the 2021 Spring season. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Dejoun Lee
  • Height: 5’8”
  • Weight: 185 lbs
  • Position: RB
  • College: University of Delaware
  • Twitter: @DejounL
  • Instagram: dlee_double3

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I completed my undergraduate in Sport Management. I’m currently working towards getting a Masters in International Business Studies. Outside of football, I’m part of the Student Athletes Against Social Injustice and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. As part of my internship, I worked with the Delaware Sports Media where I had a chance to see behind the scenes in how they plan events and advertise through media.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I think my teammates would say that I’m a consistent player. I always show up and work hard. On the field, one of my best attributes is my quickness and ability to bring the energy.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
When I first got to Delaware, I was used as a 3rd down change of pace back. I enjoy that role because it provides a spark for the team. Lately at Delaware, I have been part of a rotation at RB that provides a one-two punch where I complement a bigger back. That’s how I see myself projecting to the next level. I also enjoy being a kick returner because I have the ability to set the tone and gain momentum during the course of a game. Energy in a game is so important, and I love being the one that adds excitement.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I had the opportunity to play against Jabril Cox before he transferred out of North Dakota State and went on to the NFL from LSU. He was an impressive physical specimen who was able to fly around and cover.

In the CAA, there are plenty of talented defenders that I see every week. Although, the most troublesome LB has to be Forrest Rhyne out of Villanova.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
There are so many teammates that I can mention here. Nijuel Hill is the first that comes to mind. His work ethic and ability to grind every day makes him one of the most dominant CBs in the CAA. I’ve also watched Kedrick Whitehead develop into a talented member of our secondary. He’s one of the leaders of our team that brings energy to every game. On the offense, I’ve also seen Gene Coleman run some very precise routes as a receiver. It’s fun watching him use his ability to make people miss.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My recruiting process wasn’t the best. After high school, the only offer that I received was with the Army. I was happy to get the opportunity to play at such a prestigious institution knowing that I’d get a chance to play at the highest level. Yet, I feel like I went to the Army for the wrong reason. I have full admiration and respect for those in the military, but that was never something that I saw myself doing. After being on the practice team for a year, I didn’t really want to be there anymore. So, I decided to transfer to Delaware the following season. It gave me the opportunity to start fresh where I believe was the perfect fit.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I participated in track and wrestling in high school, and also played basketball as a freshman. Yet, my best sport growing up was soccer. So, I would probably choose that.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
The thing that I’m most proud of is being named team captain. Earning the respect of my teammates is important.

Some of my football accolades include being named the 2020-21 CAA Offensive Player of the Year as well as First Team All-Conference. I was also a 2020-21 Walter Payton Award Finalist and named a Second Team All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The moment that always sticks out was against Towson in 2018. It was my first year playing here. It was the 4th quarter and they had just scored. It had been raining all day which made it tough handling the ball. I took the kickoff and ran down the field to the opposing 35 yard line. That put us in position to score and win the game.

This past season was special too. Our first game of the Spring was against Maine, and we hadn’t played another team for a long time due to the pandemic. I took the opening kickoff and ran all the way down the field for the score.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Lebron James. He’s a physical monster and such an impressive talent. One of the football players that I idolized growing up was Adrian Peterson. He’s everything that you would want in the RB position. He’s physical, elusive and fast. I like to watch RBs today like Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey who are so well-rounded in what they do. McCaffrey runs great routes out of the backfield. I also like to watch players that are more my size like Darren Sproles, Tarik Cohen and Nyheim Hines.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist has got to be Drake because he does everything so well. Before games, I have to listen to “Many Men” by 50 Cent.

What is your favorite comfort food?
French Fries has to be my comfort food. I used to enjoy getting cheese fries at Glory Days. One of the local places to check out is Malin’s Deli. They have the best cheesesteak that I’ve ever had.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Lion King is one of my favorite movies. It’s a classic. I like watching anime. Naruto has some of the best stories. My favorite actor is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I’ve enjoyed following all of his career as a wrestler and actor.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games like Call of Duty, Madden and 2K. One of the hobbies that I enjoy is editing videos.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play the game because I love it. I also want to push myself to the limit. I’m never satisfied and always want to take things one step further. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder and want to prove to everyone that I can do it.

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