2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Darrius Casey, DB, Saint Augustine University

• Name: Darrius Casey
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: Saint Augustine’s University 
• Height: 5’9
• Weight:  200lb
• Twitter: @1dcasey_
• Instagram: 1dcasey_

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

• I’m mentally prepared for every stage of the NFL. Everybody is talented coming into this draft but I’m one of few who already understands that it’s a mental game. You have to be able to learn new information fast and apply it. I can do that at a high level. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

• At the age of 5. I still remember the day of my first little league football game. I walked out of my apartment building fully suited up. My mother helped me strap up my shoulder pads and helmet before we left out of the door. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

• That I’ve been through every emotion chasing an opportunity not only to play in the NFL but to be a great leader for my community and family. So just with an opportunity, I’ll be able to be an example of why it’s important in life to keep pushing. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I grew up in the Boys & Girls Club so I know how it feels to want to experience things outside of your neighborhood but not have the resources to do so. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

• “Always walk on the path of your dreams” It’s easy to get distracted by what’s going on around you. A true Alpha can block out all of the noise and walk through the storm with his head down and pick it back up when the storm clears, after walking miles through the rain and still be on the same path. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

• My mother for sure. She had me at 14, own apartment at 16 and the story goes on. She’s a superhero. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

• Meechie Johnson and Tiaseer Rambert. I call them twins. They are both freak athletes. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

• When someone is complaining around me. I don’t want anything negative around me. Even if it’s too cold outside I don’t want to hear about it being too cold. Let’s talk about all the good that comes out of it being cold instead. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

• The hardest moment I had to overcome was when I realized I didn’t have a father in my life. I didn’t have someone that I could call and ask for advice that a boy would ask a man. Having to apply what my mother taught me about morals and principles and what I learned from playing football has been what helped me overcome the fact that I’ve never got to have a conversation with my father. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

• The Aug…. I can honestly say I’m 100% sure there’s no place like it. The institution believes in the good in everyone, and it will give you the opportunity that you are looking for. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

• 12 count from Chick-fil-a 

What is the best part of football? 

• Winning championships and breaking records. That’s how you build something that outlives you. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

• I work overtime and I handle my business. 

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

• Tyrann Mathieu. He’s a general out there. From the way, he brings energy to the play-making ability. That’s my guy. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

• Kobe Bryant, Oprah Winfrey, Jay Z I would just want to pick their brains and gain as much knowledge about business, self-worth, and leading a legacy as I can. So I can sprinkle the same message back to other people.