2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dathan Hickey, S, Youngstown State
- Name: Dathan Hickey
- Position: SAF/CB
- College: Youngstown State
- Height: 6’1
- Weight: 205
- Twitter: @Lockdat11
- Instagram: @lock.dat_11
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
My football IQ, the way I communicate and my ability to make others around me better. I end up around the ball and help the defense as a whole.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I am true competitor and won’t fold under pressure.
If you could donate to one cause in the world what would it be?
National Alliance on mental illness (NAMI)
Who was your role model?
Growing up it was my dad but as I get older I try to follow Jesus as much as I can. I’ll never be close to who he was but if I can show who he is through what I do that is what I’ll do.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
I’ve been a Bengals fan but whoever I have the opportunity to play for.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Jaden Gilbert
What is your biggest pet peeve?
When you’re trying to switch lanes while driving and someone speeds up to stop you.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Mr. Broderick Bristol Central High school
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Tearing my ACL. I tore my ACL in 2022 as a prospect tore my meniscus in 2023 and then both again spring of 2024. These moments were very tough because you don’t know what to expect. I knew and still know I have the talent to play in the NFL but you worry about what the people making the decisions think about it. I’ve been in dark places but I’ve grown mentally and physically and I’ll never stop working for something I want. And I know that what I bring to a team is something special and I’m back and I’m better than I ever have been.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite snack food?
Fruit
What is your degree in?
Masters in heath administration
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Jesus: to ask about things I can work on to one day be with him in heaven for eternity.
- Kobe Bryant: His mindset and how he attacked things is something I try to emulate. I’d love to pick his brain.
- My Grandmother (Vovo): I miss her everyday and would love nothing but to spend another moment with her and speak to her again.
What is your biggest weakness?
The amount I care about things and take them personal. It’s a strength in some areas of my life but hurts me in others. Just have to find the right balance and I’ll be able to grow in that.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com