2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dauson Dales, LB, Ohio Dominican University

• Name: Dauson Dales
• Position: LB
• College: Ohio Dominican University 
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 225 lbs.
• Twitter: @DausonD

1.What sets you apart from other linebackers?

My preparation, work ethic, and grit are what sets me apart from other linebackers. 

2.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why? 

Luke Kuechly. He is one of greatest to ever to do it. He understood the importance of preparation, alignment, assignment, and hustle. His leadership was evident in everything he did, and he truly knew what it meant to be intentional. I would love to pick his mind to understand how he did this at such a high level for such a long time.  

3.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field? 

Passionate energy. This game has given me so much, including the focused desire to give it my all when I am on the field.  

4.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player? 

My father has been a football coach my whole life. He shared his passion for the game with me at a very young age. The interactions I had with the players at a young age is also why I decided to play football.  

5.What is a skill that you have that you think translates into the NFL well? 

My ability to diagnose plays, pursue sideline to sideline, and finish tackles. 

6.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field? 

Communication, giving relentless effort for 4-6 seconds every play, and being competitively excellent are the keys to success on the football field.   

7.What is your favorite workout? 

Explosive movements such as power-clean and hang clean are my favorite.  

8.What are your favorite things about playing football for Ohio Dominican? 

Playing for Ohio Dominican has been the best experience of my life. The lessons I’ve learned and relationships I have built will last a lifetime. ODU has given me the opportunity to grow as a player, a human, and most importantly a Christian.  

9.What are your favorite moments from your football life? 

My favorite moment of my football career is being able to play under my father in high school. Winning a GMAC championship in 2017 and playing in America’s Crossroads Bowl in 2019 are also some of my favorite moments in my football career.  

10.What would a team get in a player like you? 

A team would get a player who is a student of the game, is coachable, is tough, and is will never except mediocrity.   

11.What is your mindset when you are on the football field? 

My mindset on the field is to be the toughest guy out there and out hustle everyone. At some point in every game adversity will even the talent out, and the players/team who continue to be tough and give relentless effort are usually successful. My mindset is to be that player.  

12.What is a moment in your football career that improved you as a football player? 

The time in my career that improved me the most as a football player were my first two years at Ohio Dominican University. I had the opportunity to watch and learn from 4 of the best linebackers in D2 football. By watching and learning from their mistakes and their successes made me a better linebacker, teammate, and leader.