2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cam Durley, OT, Tennessee State

• Name: Cam Durley
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 320 lbs
• Position: OT
• College: Tennessee State University
• Twitter: @CamDurley31
• Instagram: CamDurley

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am majoring in Communication with a minor in Marketing. I’m hoping for one day to be a sports analyst. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll probably look into human resources in career development.

When I played at Kansas, I was very involved in community outreach projects whether that was helping to bag groceries, reading to kids at the elementary school, handing out Christmas gifts or going to homeless shelters. One of my favorite things that I was able to do was volunteering at the Special Olympics. We got to not only cheer for the competitors, but we were also there to spot them.

Nashville had a bad tornado while I was here at Tennessee State. We helped clean up the knocked down trees and debris as well as helped give food to families in need.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My leadership. I’m currently serving on the Leadership Council. I’m always willing to help. I want the best from everyone on the field, and they know that they’ll always get the best from me.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
As a senior leader on the offensive line, I see myself as the anchor. When we need something on a big down the team knows they can count on me, and that I am dependable.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Being in the Big 12 while I was in Kansas, I saw a lot of great players. I remember seeing Dede Westbrook absolutely killing us with his speed. I also saw Dorance Armstrong every day in practice. He had an incredible motor and really helped me develop into the athlete that I am today. The scheme that best suits me is an up-tempo spread pro offense where we can use a lot of intensity in the passing game and utilize the hurry-up offense. I’ve been the starter now for 2 years and have mainly played RT.

NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Chris Rowland is a big-time playmaker that we had at Tennessee State. Every time we needed a big play, he really came through. He is fast, shifty, and hard to tackle.

I also have to mention Lachavious Simmons who was drafted by the Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft. We pushed ourselves every day and made each other better. It was great to have a player on the OL that you can count on. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Having my injuries was a big trial that I had to overcome. After suffering an ACL injury while at Kansas, I was looking forward to coming back the following season in 2018 when I tore my Achilles. It was a difficult moment because I lost faith a little bit. I really didn’t want my injuries to define who I was. I spent a lot of time talking to God, and praying through my rehab. I was definitely humbled and had to overcome a mental battle. I had to mature and realize what’s most important. I came out of that experience stronger, both physically and spiritually. I ended up starting all of last year on a team with one of the best offenses.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
When I was younger, I lived in Saudi Arabia and played in the Little League World Series there as a pitcher and first baseman. Although, if I didn’t play football, I would probably play basketball. I played in the Filipino League when I was 15 years old in Saudi. I also played in prep school when I moved back to the States and actually had a few offers to play D1 basketball.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of my little girl. She is definitely the best thing that has happened to me. She means everything to me.

My biggest achievement has to be overcoming my injury, starting all my games in 2019, and having a good overall year.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Our homecoming game against Austin Peay was very special. They were the #1 team in our conference and we were the big underdog. They had just missed a field goal, and we were down by 3 with only a few minutes left in the game. We had a huge drive. I remember our OL Coach telling us that this was a defining moment, and that this was why we were here. We were very efficient on that drive. We marched down the field and executed well for the win.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Trent Williams is nasty on the field and a dawg as a lineman. Also, Tyron Smith. He looks like he’s just built from a factory. I watch a lot of film on different players and pick a little bit from each guy to add to my game to create my own style.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Some of my favorite artists would be Lil Baby and Future. I also like The Notorious B.I.G. and Fabulous.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My Dad’s beef enchiladas are excellent. They will change your life.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
I like watching Power. I can watch that show all day. One of my favorite movies is Shawshank Redemption. I also like the Fast & Furious movies. R.I.P. Paul Walker.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
When I’m not doing football, I play video games. I also like to cook. I’ll watch the Food Network and try to talk to my Grandma about how to make stuff.

Who or what motivates you the most?
Family. They motivate me in every way. They keep me going when I’m tired and feel like I can’t go anymore. I also want to be great at what I do. That motivates me every day.