2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shane Dailey Jr., WR, University of Nebraska at Kearney

• Name: Shane Dailey, Jr.
• Position: WR/Specialist
• College: University of Nebraska at Kearney
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 175
• Twitter: @shanedaileyjr
• Instagram: @shanedaileyjr

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

The thing that makes me a top prospect at my position in this 2025 NFL Draft are my resilient traits that I have been able to maintain during my 6 year long college football career. I graduated high school in 2019. I began my college football journey in the summer of 2019 where I attended South Dakota State University. I spent two football seasons there (one in which was a part of the 2020 COVID season) and had the opportunity to play in the playoffs in both of those seasons. Not to mention, in the 2020 football season we were fortunate enough to make it to the FCS National Championship Game against Sam Houston State. In the past I would say “Unfortunately, we lost….” However, I have learned so many life lessons during that chapter of my life. It was not fortunate by any means, but losing a game that the majority only dream of playing in will shape a young football player who is willing to get better in every aspect, into a well-rounded football player with a ton of experience to compliment his very versatile skill set at the WR position. I say all this because although I experienced what it takes to win as a team for the top ranked team in the nation at the FCS level (at the time), I also have experienced an immediate transition of what it takes to be a team that has three consecutive losing seasons with two of those seasons being back-to-back 1-10 seasons. As much as I can say about what it takes to compete for a National Championship, I can tell you just as much about how to cope with the transition it takes to follow that National Championship appearance with a 1-10 season. With that being said, although I did this journey of inconsistency in wins/losses, I also did all things with 5 different head coaches, 5 different offensive coordinators, 6 different position coaches, and a number of different teammates along the way. Entering my first year of college football at South Dakota State, I was under the impression that I would be redshirting. I took that as an opportunity and as a challenge. I had the opportunity to build my knowledge of the offense and put on some effective weight to better prepare me. But I also had the challenge to prove to my coaches and peers that I was in fact ready and when my opportunity would come in a gametime situation, I would be ready. I went on to play 0 games in my freshman year and added a chip to my shoulder going into my second year. I found myself competing for a WR3 role on the depth chart in a 12 personnel base offense. This 2020 season brought us much success as a team, but even though I found myself better prepared and ready than ever before, I remained without seeing any game time action. Following the National Championship, I decided to enter the transfer portal.

I went on to transfer to Idaho State University where I earned a starting spot for two consecutive years. During my time at Idaho State, I collected 50 receptions, 492 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. During this time, I learned how to deal with losing. Coming from a program in high school where I experienced less than 5 losses within the span of four years and a college program that just came off of a National Championship appearance, this time allowed me to grow a lot as a player.

While being at South Dakota State, although I did not see time on the field, I provided a valuable look to the top defense (at the time) in FCS. I also learned how to really practice. There is obviously your time to go lights out, but a true football player must know how to maintain their competitive nature and effort but understand the acceptable practice habits for the appropriate situation. This is something that I know is very important for athletes at the next level. A player who cannot practice is a liability. I cannot say South Dakota State showed me how to win because I had come from a successful high school, but it showed me what it takes from a team to go through a post season at that level and reach a National Title Game for a university that had never been there before.

My time at Idaho State was much different. I had to learn how to lose. As a man who truly loves the game of football, I had to come to the realization that not everyone is invested into the game of football the same. I had to grow as a leader immediately in order to put the team in a position to become better. Not to mention, encourage a team behind a different quarterback in each of the three years I was on the roster. I walked into a situation that was a part of a rebuilding process and this journey brought struggles for us as a team in which allowed me to grow as a football player and man, on and off the field.

In conclusion, I finished my college football journey at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I made this decision following my final year at Idaho State University. Following my commencement at Idaho State, I chose to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. In this final year of football eligibility, I knew that I did not want to continue on with Idaho State after going through 3 consecutive coaching changes in 3 years. I have given too much time, sweat, and tears into this game to go through another year like the previous. I chose to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney where I recorded 29 receptions, 320 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown.

I never played the game for statistics, or else I would have given up a while ago. I play the game of football out of love and the passion in which I play with shows on tape and by word of any of my previous coaches and/or teammates. This rollercoaster of a journey has shaped me into being the player I am today. My skills for this game are not shown in full display by my statistical performance over the years and there are several factors that play a part in that. What does show are my experiences that I have gone through on and off the field that has allowed me to play this game for 18+ years with no major injuries (knock on wood) or surgeries at the Division I level. I will bring that experience to any team or organization that takes a chance on me. This experience will come with a drive that is hungry to continue proving the world wrong. I have yet to even scratch the surface of my athletic potential and thanks to the glory of God, I am put in the position to continue playing this amazing game.

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

It is important to know that I was brought up as an only child. I had to learn how to be an adult at an early age while being raised by my father and grandmother. However, my father was gone the majority of the time while working two jobs, providing money to take care of my grandmother and I. This upbringing allowed me to learn from my grandmother, who is my heart and soul. My grandmother, Rozetta, raised me since I was 3 months old. My biological mother abandoned me at 3 months when my grandmother took over my motherly responsibilities while my father worked. Not your typical picture-perfect family upbringing but these indifferences really instilled that old-school style of raising.

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

One cause I would love to donate to would be a foundation dedicated to encourage safe driving (against drunk driving). Before making a decision to donate, I would have to put in some additional research, however, I know this is the cause I would support. I have had a friend face the consequence of receiving a DUI charge. The time I spent seeing my friend blow through a drink detector to start his car put me in a place of never wanting someone to experience that again, but more importantly using the platform to explain the severity of importance that nearly 14,000 people have died from drunk driving in the past year.

Who was your role model?

My role model has always been my father. He is the strongest man I know. It is not common for an African American man to take on the responsibilities of raising an African American son essentially alone. This man somehow got me to practice in between jobs, found a way to make it to the majority of my games, and coached me off the field with skills that benefited me on and off the field, all while still being an amazing father. I told my father in high school that he would not have to ever pay for me to go to college and I meant that statement. I owe this man the world and he deserves it. He is a major part of my “why” and there have been times this man has spent his final dime on me to get me to where I am today. If I am at all close to becoming as strong as a man as he is, I will be honored.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I actually do not have a favorite NFL team. Y et, I still follow the game more than ever. Now that I have been fortunate enough to play against and with some of the best talent in the world, I get the opportunity to watch them play. So, I follow many of my former teammates. With that being said, I also follow other players. As a student of the game, I enjoy watching the play of receivers like Stefon Diggs, Devante Adams, and DeVonta Smith. As far as offensive play styles, I enjoy seeing what the Lions, Rams, and Vikings are putting on film. These are just an example of a few teams that do a great job at getting their playmakers the ball in space and utilizing them in a way that fits their specific play styles.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate at my school is actually now an Assistant Wide Receiver Coach. Although he is no longer playing, he is an age (22) that prompts others to not take him seriously and does much more work for the team that many do not notice. He plays a huge role in recruiting and the social media done at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Many have heard the iconic saying, “Good teams are coach led, great teams are player led.” In order for a team to be led by great players, these players have to be selected. You don’t want to get a player and have them leave university the same way they came in, but it is important you recruit individuals who are willing to get better on and off the field. Not only get themselves better, but make the teammates around them better as well. As Kearney continues to take the steps in the right direction, much of the credit should be granted to this coach.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is negative energy. Typically negative energy held by people in their thoughts, comments, or actions. I am a very positive person who believes in manifestation and therefore, being around negative attitudes do not sit well with me. There is absolutely nothing positive that can come out of negative thoughts. Now, there is a difference between being negative and being prepared for the worse. One must always be ready for a change but one would be surprised on how far positive energy can spread just when negativity is eliminated.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever was my 8th grade science teacher. This was the only teacher to ever send me out of the classroom. On a Friday during football season, a friend of mine and I were sent out to the hallway. What we thought was a harsh action of being talkative ended up being a gift to leave class 20 minutes prior to the original departure time for our away football game. This relationship with Ms. Temp was built well before this kind gesture, but definitely is a core memory that I will remember due to not having to take the assigned quiz for that day until Monday.

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

The hardest moment in my life thus far has been hearing the news that my family would not make it to my college graduation due to the passing of my 10 month old nephew. A moment that can be considered some people’s greatest accomplishment ended up becoming one of the saddest times of my life. This nephew was just 2 months shy of his 1st birthday. A birthday that would have been just one day following mine. This was a time in which I was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and transition at the same time. As this is an everlasting wound my family and I are overcoming, it is important for me to be there for them and although I feel no pressure, I feel the obligation to work toward bringing this family closer together one step at a time.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Wing Stop

What is your favorite snack food?

Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers

What is your degree in?

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

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

• Kevin Hart
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Drake

I have always enjoyed the entertainment that Kevin Hart brings. Whether it is a comedy show, movie, or on social media, Kevin Hart never fails to make me laugh. Martin Luther King Jr. is a man that goes without explanation. I would love to pick the brain of MLK on his thoughts and feelings of emotion as he came up with arguably the best speech and dream of all time during a devastating period in world history. And finally, Drake has always been the GOA T of music for me. I just feel like it would be cool to hear from what I believe is the GOA T of music.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is feeling like I have to do it all. I have seen this the most in school ongroup projects but I have seen examples of this on the field in the past as well. In school, I have always been one to do my work alone so when being put in a situation where my grade is dependent on others, I like to put the job in my hands. As for on the football field, if you play the wide receiver position and you do not want the ball, there is a problem. I have had to learn that even though I am confident in my abilities, it is okay to want the ball, I have to believe and trust in all my teammates to make the necessary play when the ball comes their way just as much as I am confident in myself.