Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: DJ Roberts, LB, Tennessee-Martin

Courtesy of Tennessee-Martin Athletics

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: DJ Roberts, LB, Tennessee-Martin 

DJ Roberts finished his senior season on a pedestal. The kid was a force in the OVC, causing problems for every offensive lineman in the entire division.  Roberts has a magnet that attaches to the quarterback.  He was a problem for opposing teams quarterbacks, because of his quickness of the edge.  Roberts has several great moves which have really allowed him to be a continual nuisance for quarterbacks.  Roberts will get his opportunity in the NFL, and when he does I would expect him to shine.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

10 schools

Where did you choose and why?

I choose UT Martin. Was interested in a larger school but they encounter a coach change. Plus I had a cousin playing on the team too.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My goals for my senior year were to become a better leader on and off the field and everything else would fall in place.

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

Yes, they are saying they love my motor. Also how I get after the Quarterback and never take a play off.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

What separates me from others is my knowledge of the game and my relentless effort to the ball every play

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

When breaking down film Run: I look for if they are a zone or gap scheme team. I also watch when and at what points they run those plays. In addition to that later in the week I look at each OL individually to if I can get run or pass keys and I look at their horizontal alignment in relation to the football. Pass: I study protections. I like to see when or what makes them be slide protection, and what they do when they split the protection which just means half of the line is the slide side and the other half is man.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Toughest player I ever player I ever faced was Dallas Thomas from the University of Tennessee.

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

James Harrison; he’s going to give you everything he has night in and night out. We both play with a chip on our shoulders.

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

Biggest obstacle in my life was having four different coaches in five years. I overcame it by just taking in their knowledge of the game and trusting in their system.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I’m just a football player. I really don’t just have just one system that is my best. I can adjust to any style.

What is your biggest strength?

Knowledge of the game

What is your biggest weakness?

Size

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

I’m focused, determined and love to work hard. I’m always ready to learn. I know nothing will be giving to me that’s why I strive to be great everyday. I will gave my all to this organization everyday, and be proud to wear the name in front of my jersey as we bring in Championships.

Growing up, who was your role model?

My Mother she worked two jobs sometimes three to provie for me and my two sisters. She showed me how hard work pays off.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

San Franciso 49ers and Patrick Willis. Why because Patrick Willis is a beast and from Tennessee like me.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

My most tragic event that ever happened in my life was when my childhood friend Tinky Mack passed away. We played ball together and would push each other to bring the best out of one another. I overcame it, but never forgot about him by excelling in sports trying to be the best player on the field everyday. I know thats what he would want me to do.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

Patrick Willis, Gabrielle Union, and Ray Lewis

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

Buy my mother a new car. She deserves it.