2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cedric Dashiell II, OLB, Bentley University

• Name: Cedric Dashiell II
• Position: Edge/Outside Linebacker
• College: Bentley University
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 240
• Twitter: cediedashiellii
• Instagram: cedric.dashiell

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

My combination of strength, production, and technique has made me a top prospect in the NFL draft. Over the past 3 seasons, I have improved every year, and have continued to refine my technical skills as a pass rusher. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I’ve been into football since I was 5 years old, watching Reggie Bush in the Rose Bowl against Vince Young, it’s always been my goal to play in the league. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

They’re going to get a player that studies the game as well as anyone can, and always is finding new ways to improve his game. I’m relentless, and will do whatever takes to win games!

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Being from Los Angeles, it would have to be the rampant homeless problem that we see there, and a way to bring three meals a day to people that aren’t as fortunate. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Pride comes before the fall, and God gives the increase. So no matter what you are doing, make sure you are doing it to the best of your ability and let the results rest in God’s hands, good or bad. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My heroes were my parents, they taught me that nobody can tell you that you aren’t able to do something as long as you put the work to it! Don’t shortchange the work. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

I have quite a few but my two teammates Jailen Branch and Noah Neville. Both of whom are high-quality guys and players who have been competing against each other for years, they are going to be big cogs to us winning the conference again. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I’m very impatient, so when I’m trying to help and people aren’t listening it tends to drive me to the wall.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Senior year of high school, having to go from being heavily recruited by Ivy League schools as a three-star recruit, and then having to go to prep school humbles you in ways I could not imagine, but that I needed. Thanks to God, I dusted myself off, and now I’m at the best place I could have been in for myself. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Bentley is one of the best business schools in the country, and we have a couple of categories that we are number one in. But the reason it’s special is because of the willingness from everyone at the University to change what isn’t working and make changes based on what the right thing to do is. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Tough one, but I have to go with either Cheez-It’s or the Purple Doritos, both by far my favorites. 

What is the best part of football?

The camaraderie you build with your teammates, making new friends along the way. Without my teammates, I wouldn’t even be where I am today, so that’s huge for me. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

Not only am I productive, but I have gotten better every year, and have played against/with current NFL guys, so I can compete with the best of them.

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

Cameron Jordan is the one guy I am constantly studying, the Saints play a defense similar to ours, so I can pick up lots of new things from him. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

MLK, Frederick Douglass, Elvis Dumervil. MLK, as a historic figure would be able to give me some much-needed wisdom! Frederick Douglass isn’t seen this way, but he is one of the hardest working individuals that America has ever seen, he not only escaped from slavery but taught himself to read and write so well that we are constantly referring to his work. Elvis Dumervil was my favorite player outside of Dwight Freeney for the longest, feel like I can learn a lot from him and continue to get mentorship that is needed to last in this game as long as he did!