NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Dezmin Reed, DE, Appalachian State University

 

NFL Draft Diamonds has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 350 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name? 

Dezmin Reed

What is your Height/Weight? 

6′ 1″ 242lbs

What is your position? 

Defensive End

Where do you play college football? 

Appalachian State University

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field? 

I have volunteered at the veterans home. I feel it’s important to give back, especially to this who have risked their lives for our country.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Finance, because it taught me the importance of money management and the project was to better manage my own money by sticking to goals set in the beginning of the class. 

Where are you from? 

Decatur, GA

Who is your role model, and why? 

My father, he taught me the basics of the game and reminded me on a regular basis to fight for what I want and never lose sight of the ultimate goal regardless of the hurdles I have to overcome. 

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Yes, basketball 

Did you play any other positions in football? 

Yes, running back, outside and inside linebacker and defensive end.

At your position, what separates you from others? 

My quickness and my understanding of the offense since I played mostly offense during my football career – I am able to read the offense well. 

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I study the offensive line and their run scheme – do they zone box often and when the offense passes the ball I look for change in posture of the O Line. I also watch the quarterback on the run plays to see how long, on average, it takes the QB to get the ball in the RB’s hands. 

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

Brad Kaaya, the Kid knows how to manage a Game and make the right Reads and can make any throw. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Irvin, we both play with speed and great bend. 

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

I started my college career on the offensive side of the ball and was later switched to the defensive side at multiple positions. I was able to overcome this hurdle by taking the time to study the position and I put in the extra work to be successful in the position even if that required seeking advice from coaches or teammates that played the same position. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

I listen to a lot of music before each game. 

What is your biggest strength? 

My speed and the fact that I’ve played on the offensive side of the ball allowing me to really understand my opponent. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

My size, therefore I overcompensate in quickness and strength. 

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say? 

I am an extremely hard worker. I ensure that I go the extra mile under any circumstance and consider my teammates as family. I lead by example, and am a coachable athlete. 

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

My favorite player was Mike Vick. He was a versatile athlete in the QB position and he overcame hurdles and made it a point to return and shine in the game. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose? 

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Mike Vick. All three of these athletes overcame large hurdles in their life and/or career and are successful athletes still to this day. I would like to pick their brain and gain advice on what helped them persevere. 

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

I would look to hire a financial advisor so that I can invest my money appropriately and save money so that I am able to have money long after I’m done playing NFL.