2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Derrick Curtis Jr, RB, Ottawa University (KS)

• Name: Derrick Curtis Jr
• Position: RB
• College: Ottawa University (Kansas)
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 195 lbs
• X (Twitter): @D_Curtis4
• Instagram: @D_Curtis4

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

I fell in love with the game at an early age. When I turned 5, my dad and brother signed me up for football and the rest is history.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments from my football life is signing on National Signing Day to Jacksonville University, a former D1 FCS program. Growing up, my goal was to go to a D1 program out of high school. That was a big accomplishment for me and I felt it was a big step towards my overall goal of playing professional football.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to become as versatile as possible from the running back position and achieve my dream of playing professional football.

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

Chris Johnson, A.K.A Cj2k. He was my favorite running back to watch growing up and I modeled my playing style after his. I would love to pick his brain and see what I could learn from him.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom inspires me the most. I watched her work day and night to care for me and my four siblings. She was so determined to make a better life for us and I will always love and respect her for all the hard work I saw her put in.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite offensive scheme is the West Coast offense. I love it because of the wide zone running scheme it has. I also like that it uses running backs in the pass game which is a big thing to me because of my ability to run routes and catch out of the backfield.

What should we know about Derrick Curtis Jr the person?

I am a God-fearing man and a big family man. I am a very determined and resilient person. I was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate and that taught me how to work through adversity at an early age. There were multiple things doctors said I wouldn’t be able to do because of it, including playing football. It shaped me into the man I am today.

What stands out about your film the most?

My speed, vision, and versatility stand out. I have the speed to take any play the distance. I can run routes out of the backfield and from the slot. My speed also makes me a mismatch in the slot when there is a linebacker or safety guarding me. 

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I work through them as best as I can. I pray to God about it and control everything I can control.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get someone who is hard-working and hungrier than ever. I’ll come ready to work day in and day out. Someone consistent and willing to play any role that leads to the team’s success. When it is time to make the big play, I will be the one to make it. I thrive in the clutch moments.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the feeling of accomplishing the goals I set personally and as a team. All the hard work that was put in beforehand makes it even better when we do what we said we were going to do.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I played with was Calvin Turner Jr. He is the most versatile player I’ve played with in my football career. I watched him play cornerback, quarterback, running back, and receiver and he played all those positions at an elite level.