2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah Dunn, CB, Oregon State
- Name: Isaiah Dunn
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 195 lbs
- Position: CB
- College: Oregon State University
- Twitter: @isaiahdunnnnn
- Instagram: isaiah_dunn
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?
Being a student at Oregon State was cool. The city of Corvallis, OR is different. It’s a bit of a smaller college town. Over my time in school, I was able to experience many of the facets that the campus offers. I’ve met a lot of great people. It was especially enjoyable when the alumni would come back to visit.
My major was Human Development Family Science. That’s a mix of psychology and sociology. There’s a big focus on family and people. I also have a minor in Sociology. After my football career, I would like to go back to school, further my education and maybe become a family therapist.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my accountability. I’m always on time for meetings, workouts and practices. I will gladly stay after for practice and put in the extra time in order to be the best. I bring my “A” game on and off the field. I try to do all the little things the right way. My leadership is also one of my best qualities. I’m a 4 year starter that tries to help the younger players figure out how to manage their time at the academic center.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m expected to be CB1 and follow the best receiver. My senior year, I was also asked to play nickel. I see myself as a shutdown corner, but I pride myself in press man coverage. Our coaches put us in many different looks like man coverage and cover 3 max. I pretty much did whatever our secondary coach wanted, and sometimes that gave me the freedom to do what’s comfortable.
I’ve also played a solid role on special teams. I received a lot of reps as a freshman, and still got many opportunities throughout my career. I played the missile gunner on punts as well as the other side of the field as the left and right jammer. I was also the contain man on kickoffs on the right side.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
K.D. Nixon is a smaller shifty receiver that played at Colorado and recently transferred to USC. He was one of those guys that gave us problems. After the game we had against him, I remember our coach asking me to follow the best receiver regardless where he was lined up.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Champ Flemings really impresses me. He’s a small receiver who is quick and fast. He’s lightning in a bottle on special teams as well. He doesn’t get enough respect for what he can do because he’s small. Yet, he legit runs a 4.3 40yd and can do some amazing things to defenders.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Getting this far in life has been a struggle that I’ve overcome. I was raised by a single mother, and she didn’t have a lot of help for some of the basic things that most parents do. My mother is a strong woman and persevered through our situation. My family couldn’t afford to have a lot, but I seemed to get a lot of what I wanted. I found out what was really important during birthdays and holidays. Receiving gifts weren’t as important as having all the people that are celebrating with you.
The recruiting process was a little weird without having a father figure around. Yet, my mom played both roles well. It was a huge blessing to be able to get a scholarship to Oregon State. That took a huge burden off my mom and made her proud.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
It would definitely be Track. I was a really good sprinter in high school and won a lot of races. Some of my personal bests include 10.87 seconds in the 100m, 21.91 seconds in the 200m and 51.35 in the 400m.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Getting a college education for free is something that I’m proud of. I’ve also started at least 30 games in 4 years which not a lot of players get to do.
Describe some of the best moments of your collegiate career.
I had a good year in 2019. I was dominant in our game against Arizona. I had 6 targets and didn’t give up a single catch.
Brandon Aiyuk had a good season for Arizona State in 2019 which helped him get drafted in the first round for the 49ers. We have a lot of great corners in the Pac-12, and almost nobody could shut him down. I was asked to follow the best receiver, and we’re always expected to win the one-on-ones. Aiyuk only had one catch in our game for 7 yards, and I made him fumble.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Lebron James. He’s the GOAT in my opinion. My favorite team is the 49ers. I like to take things from different players and add them to my game. Guys like Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward, and Stephon Gilmore are some of the players that I watch. I really like Gilmore and his nastiness in press coverage.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Currently, my favorite artist is Jay-Z. On game days, I go with Webbie and all of his stuff on his Savage Like album.
What is your favorite comfort food?
A home cooked meal from my mom is my kind of comfort food. My favorite thing that she makes is spaghetti.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is “All About the Benjamins.” One of my favorite actors is Will Smith.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like my alone time, but I also like to chill with my family, especially playing with my little niece. I like spending time with my mom. I’m a big movie guy. I haven’t played in a while, but when I play video games it’s either Madden or Call of Duty.
Who or what motivates you the most?
My mom motivates me the most with everything that she’s been through. Doing all that she did on her own was huge. She took care of 4 kids, and is now helping to raise my niece. My brothers and sister also motivate me given all that we’ve been through. I push myself to be the best corner that I can be and take myself to the limit knowing that I can help the whole family once I get my chance in the league.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.