2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Darion Smith, DL, Missouri State University

• Name: Darion Smith
• Position: DL
• College: Missouri State University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 257 lbs
• X (Twitter): @darionsmith2020
• Instagram: @tru.2this

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

It started as simply another opportunity to compete and challenge myself but as I got older I fell in love with the art of the game. The complexity as well as the physicality.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Winning. Whether it be the State Championship that we won at Trinity in High School. Or beating Duke in my sophomore year at Charlotte. My favorite moments in my football career come from competing and dominating what’s in front of me.

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

Definitely my dad, My whole life he’s been Mr. Make it happen. When I was a kid he was working 60+ hours a week and still would find time to spend 6-7 hour days with me trying to improve my craft. He showed me that no excuse is good enough.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I look forward to leading this team to a conference championship. The talent on our roster is evident and I think that we can win the Valley.

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

Definitely Maxx Crosby. I just have so many questions to ask him. He has been so consistent over the span of his career, no major injuries, hasn’t missed games, and is a student of the game. I think he is the epitome of a pro and I want to learn more about his way of doing things.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Missouri State?

My teammates for sure. They know how to balance when it’s time to work and it’s time to have fun and joke. They push me to be the best I can be every day. The coaching staff as well. My defensive staff has a lot of experience all around the country and have coached NFL edges like Jonathan Greenard. They give me the knowledge and reign to play freely.

What should we know about Darion Smith the person?

It’s 2 main things. I am obsessive about the details and my process. I pride myself in being process driven not goal driven. And also I would run through a brick wall for the people I care for like my teammates coaches and support staff.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

3-3-5 Stack. It can be one of the most effective defenses versus run and pass. You can stem to a 4-2 look. You can send pressure from anywhere and you can make adjustments to a majority of formations without having to lighten your box.

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

I dissect them. I take accountability and assess where I am at physically and mentally and how does that contribute to the situation and then I attack the details and obstacles that cause the challenge until it’s resolved.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A competitor. Someone who wants to win in everything. Whether it is being the most detail oriented, or the most knowledgeable, or the most physical. I want to be the best at everything that is asked of me.

What stands out about your film the most?

The toughness and grit. You can feel my will to make the play through the screen. You can tell that at that moment making that play is the most important thing in the world to me

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

Stone Handy. Without question. He might be the biggest freak of nature I’ve ever seen in real life. 6’5 245-250 and probably one of the most competitive ball loving people I ever met. Also one of the only people I’ve ever met that ran a 4.4 and was mad about it. But seriously the guy loves football and loves to compete and is a freak of an athlete.