2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Khalil Dawsey, DB, University of Delaware

• Name: Khalil Dawsey
• Position: DB
• College: University of Delaware
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 185 lbs
• X (Twitter): @khalilthethrill
• Instagram: @khalil.dawsey

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

I decided I wanted to be a football player really early on in my career. During my time in little league I was always one of the fastest and most aggressive, so I played almost every skill position. Over time I fell in love with the game and the process of learning to be effective at different places on the field.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a lot of great moments so it’s hard to settle on a few. I’d have to say the game clinching interception against my high school’s the biggest rival in 2018 is up there with the best moments. I would rank it alongside the game I had 6 tackles and 4 PBUs against Yale in 2022, as well as the 2 INT and a 100 yard pick six performance vs. Campbell this past season.

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

The ultimate goal for me is to make an NFL roster in some capacity. I know my initial path may start with special teams, and I’m willing to showcase my ability to make an impact wherever I’m at.

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

A former player who I would love to hang out with just to pick their brain would be Richard Sherman. His long limbs and keen instincts has always made me naturally gravitate towards his play style as someone with similar qualities.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’ve played in a couple of different schemes during my collegiate career, but my favorite would have to be 4 down, 2 high schemes. Particularly 4-3 and 4-2-5. I like to build off of my press technique and I think a 4 man pass rush works hand in hand with corners who are able to slow the timing of developing routes. Also gives more freedom and allows movement and disguise, particularly from the boundary safety, that can lead to turnovers when executed properly.

What should we know about Khalil Dawsey the person?

As a person, I love new challenges. I truly believe that the desire to learn new skills is at the core of my being, and I wanted my life choices to reflect that. I’m hard working and process driven.

What stands out about your film the most?

On film the first thing that stands out is my aggressive ball skills. In 26 starts I had 16 PBUs and 5 INTs for 255 return yards and 2 TDs. I played receiver in middle school and high school, so I got really comfortable attacking the ball in the air. My time on offense also gave my a lot of insight on route combinations, so I think my route anticipate is up there with the best as well. Also if you look into my early career, you’ll find that the year I wasn’t starting was spent making a difference on special teams as I had 2 blocked punts and a blocked field goal.

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

As a person, I welcome new challenges with full understanding that I need to grow and learn to be effective in whatever I’m deciding to do. I don’t expect to be perfect right away, which is why I try to be as receptive as possible to critique and guidance. I’ve let my development as a player be determined through understanding the overarching purpose and process to new techniques and practices, and I turned it into a very good college career because of it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get everything out of a player like me. Even after playing on a top team in the country at the FCS level, the underdog mentality never left me and I don’t know how to play any other way. I usually like to let my film speak for my game, because the records show that I really am a dog. With an opportunity, I think my versatility and athleticism could be put to great use.

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

What I love most about football is the camaraderie it builds amongst teammates who would’ve never met otherwise. The sport has a way of bringing people together and I’ve met some of my best friends in life because of it. The football fraternity is something I’m forever thankful and indebted to because its impact extends past just the field.

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

The most underrated player I’ve ever played with is my former high school teammate Damonté McCurdy. Back in the day we were always a talented 1-2 co, so it’s been really cool to see the success he’s enjoyed during his career as a safety at the D2 level. He’s definitely someone I’m going to enjoy watching on Sundays after he finishes his last season at Grand Valley State.