Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Donteea Dye, WR, Heidelberg University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Donteea Dye

 Where do you play college football?

Heidelberg University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I didn’t have any offers in high school. University of Cincinnati, Saint Joseph College and a few division 3 teams were recruiting me.

How did you choose your school?

The coaches made my visit feel like I was at home. They made me feel very comfortable. The passion and effort they give is incredible.

Where are you from?

Cincinnati, Ohio

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model would have to be my mother. She’s the strongest person I know, mentally and physically.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I met with two NFL scouts last spring during my junior pro day.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball, baseball, and soccer.

Did you play any other positions in football?

I played running back up until my sophomore year in high school, even a little bit of cornerback. Now I play WR.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I think my knowledge of my opponents defensive is what separates me. I prepare very hard to understand coverage’s and certain tendencies. My goal everyday is to never let someone grind harder than me. What also separates me from other at my position is my passion, competitiveness, effort, and my ability to separate from defenders.

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

When breaking down film, I look for weaknesses in their secondary. Things like do they get to their zones fast, do they play press coverage a lot, who is their worst man in coverage. I also look for which corners and safety’s I will be going one on one against to try to find his individual tendencies and figure out a way to win the battle.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Randy Greenwood from John Carroll University.

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

I would compare myself to TY Hilton because I feel that him and me share the same ability to get off the line and have the explosiveness to make plays. We both have similar build, good ball skills, and can play both inside and outside.

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

The biggest obstacle in my life that I had to overcome was October 8,2010. That day during a football game, I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus. I thought my football carrier was done. During those eight months of rehab, I had enough time to focus and fight for the chance to play football again. It wasn’t easy to overcome an injury like this but hard work, dedication and prayer helped my get through it.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I have a couple. I eat McDonalds the night before each game. It was something I just picked up in high school. Before I warm up pre-game, I say a prayer by the goal post.

What is your biggest strength?

I think my athleticism and speed are my biggest strength. I don’t go down on first contact and I feel that I can win any one-on-one battle.

What is your biggest weakness?

An area that I think every receiver can improve in is blocking.

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

I am very passionate about this game. Its something I take very seriously in my life. I am always willing to contribute to the team in anyway possible, even if its catching passes on practice squad to special teams. I’ll do what ever it takes to help my team win and succeed. I am a great team player with leadership qualities.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Cris Carter, Marshall Faulk and Chad Johnson were my favorite players growing up. My favorite team was the New England Patriots.

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

President Obama, Muhammad Ali, and my great-aunt Polly Washington.