2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Javier Duran, DL, Tarleton State University

- Name: Javier Duran
- Position: DL
- College: Tarleton State University
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 280 lbs
- Twitter: @D__javier
- Instagram: @imjaviee
What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?
I would say my versatility sets me apart from other defense of lineman because you can put me anywhere from a 0 to 5 technique and I’m gonna always find a way to get the job done.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Two players that come to mind would have to be my juco roommate Anthony Campbell and my fellow teammate here at Tarleton State Caleb Davis. The reason I’ve said my juco roommate Anthony Campbell is because he is a 6′ 7″ defensive end and the coaches never really wanted to play him but when he did play he always made an impact whether that be having a sack, strip sack, force fumble and reason I said Caleb Davis is because Caleb is a guy who I can say is very talented but hardly gets to show it but when he does he makes a lot of noise.
What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?
I try to joke around with guys on the team because football is very much mental so I feel that making jokes and laughing with guys makes them relax a little bit and not be so serious even coaches too because I feel that having a laugh is good but not too much to where you then start to lose focus on what you were doing, but once it’s game time and I take the field I’m the dirtiest and nasty player ready to hurt whoever is lined up in front of me.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
There are a few players what I actually would like to hangout with for a day, those being Aaron Donald, Kahlil Mack, Chris Jones, Akiem Hicks, and Mike Daniels. These are just a few guys I would want to learn and soak up a lot of information from and to kick it with and because they’re hilarious, I want to chill with Aaron Donald so he can show me a day in the life of how he starts his day and what he eats to maintain his weight and wanna go workout with him, Kahlil Mack so he can teach me to do the “hump” move properly, and I wanna chill with Chris, Akiem and Mike all together because they’re hilarious and just kick it with them dropping knowledge and laughing.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Favorite moments would have to be getting a few defensives MVPs, being conference champs in juco, and really just getting to travel and experience meeting different people along the way.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
I’ve been so used to 4 down my whole life but once I came to Tarleton State It was the first time I played in a 3 down and I’ve had a lot of access at it and getting to actually like the double and triple teams that come my way, so as of right now it’s a 3 down.
What should we know about Javier Duran the person?
Really I’m just a family oriented guy and any time I go home and family needs help with anything from something as small as going grocery shopping to something as big as helping out with taking someone to the doctors or a little bit of a family landscaping project, and I’m a funny guy always try and make somebody laugh and busy jokes, and love working out and sleeping and binge watching movies.
How do you prepare for games?
Preparation starts with watching film and getting a concept of what the other team likes to do and certain tendencies they might have, and what type of plays teams like to do on certain down and distances, on game days I like to not think about who I’m going to play so I don’t stress myself out so I just watch stand up comedy on YouTube or maybe gaming videos and then right before we go out I listen to music for about 20 mins before going out.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I try to overcome challenges by not stressing out about them because stress can lead to a lot of health problems so I just pray and talk to God, and do things to take my mind off whatever that may be and so far that has been working out, and challenges on the football field I just try to correct little things and ask a decent amount of questions if I don’t know whether that be in a game, during drills, practice, or as little as asking what time is the meeting and where, and try to do it the best of my capability and talking to family about what’s going on with football.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A team will get a versatile player, a guy who doesn’t back down from nothing and no one, a guy who’s going to come to work and show up and show out and try to do their best everyday and give it their all, someone who’s accountable and making sure they’re taking care of their business on and off the field especially being in the training room and doing rehab taking care of your body and a guy who’s a team player and selfless.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?
Just looking forward to playing with my boys, going undefeated and getting a ring.
What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?
Communication, integrity, straining each play, and trusting the guys your out on the field with that they’re going to all do their job in order to make the play.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen