2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Deron Irving-Bey, DL, Ferris State

• Name: Deron Irving-Bey
• Position: DT/N; OT/G
• College: U of M – Ann Arbor (2017-2018), Central Michigan (2018-2020), Ferris State
• (2022-2025)
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 315
• Twitter: dbey_
• Instagram: d.b3y

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

Battle-tested full of passion and relentlessness to become who/whatever he puts his mind to. Been through it all and seen most. Diamond in the rough chasing his dreams of being the best version of myself that I believe whole-heartedly.

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

I am relentless with my job. I am a team player that does great in both leader and follower roles. I like to believe in myself as a man who knows there are bigger orchestrates than just myself. I am goal-driven and have learned so much over these past 7 years of college football about myself, the game, and how every day’s lessons balance revolve around. Also I’m open to cross-train both sides of the ball. I enjoyed playing OL.

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

World hunger and general knowledge/schooling opportunities to all.

Who was your role model?

Nic Matiere-Bey, my older cousin who was more like a big brother how close we grew up. Seeing him go off to college first when I was in 9th grade was believing that if I carried those same habits, positive attitude and will, I could be a great player. Also have my college paid full.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Honestly the Detroit Lions, but I love watching my former teammates teams that I had the blessing to play against, and/or beside. Browns, Packers, Bears, Patriots, Colts, Saints, Texans.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

A younger teammate that I see great potential in is Timothy Allen. This past year of our team Ferris State National Championship run ‘25, Timothy stepped up from a reserve position when he needed to when called. The 6’4 260 DE has surprised us all how effective he can be so early only in his 2nd year. Anticipating to see his full potential in the next coming years.

What is your biggest pet peeve?-

My biggest pet peeve is losing a game. I can admit I can be a sore loser, not dramatically in a sense. I respect when our team is outscored. But that is something I want to avoid for the moral and betterment of my team.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I feel that being a coach is more than just coaching football, therefore I can say that my former HS coach Suthai Maxwell is one of my life’s greatest teachers and coaches.

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

I could think of so many, my first football camp at Michigan, missing/sitting out no days in that environment coming from my HS program which was very new and profound to me. Coming back to finish football after parting ways with my second college Central Michigan. That was a very dark and depressing time in my life where I actually was depressed and trapped in my own head about various things that happened and what was going on. I owe that upbringing from that malice of mindset to my son, Deron Irving-Bey Jr.

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

Mickey D’s they’re everywhere around the world. Not going out of business anytime soon.

What is your favorite snack food?

Uncrustables or Rice Crispies

What is your degree in?

College of Arts, Science & Ed.

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

My grandfather Eddie RIchardson-Bey , My grandmother Evelyn Richardson-Bey, and my aunt who passed August 2018 Marinda Jiles-Bey.

What is your biggest weakness?

I feel that my level of empathy gets in the way of my daily attitudes in life. It could be a gift and curse because I always compare, overthink and see the other side of all things, consider and put myself in people’s shoes.