2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Delon Smith, DB, Houston Baptist University

• Name: Delon Smith
• Position: DB
• College: Houston Baptist University
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 190 lbs
• Twitter: @delo_smith21
• Instagram: @_dlosmith

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

I am a ballhawk long corner and am known to be a lockdown corner that can play both in the boundary and field. I’m versatile and have played free safety in my college experience in junior college where I received first team all conference in California and in high school in Georgia was 2nd team all county in Gwinnett a high profile recruiting area. My teammates know me to be very competitive and a leader out there on the field. I was in the leadership committee during my time at HBU and in every other school I played on. I’m very critical about the team success and will play special teams or any necessities needed within the team.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

The way I handle challenges in life is to take risk by fulfillings ones purpose in life and do what God has in store for you. I believe in taking accountability in one’s actions and being the best I can be everyday and being consistent when faced adversity in any life situation. In football I keep my pose and focus on my fundamentals when faced challenges during the game because I believe you can win with your technique and knowledge of the game.

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

The keys to to success on the football field involve persistency, physicality, speed and understanding formations to identify what possible plays are coming by watching film.

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

Somebody I would consider hanging out for a day would be Marcus Peters because I see potentially my game in him and I like studying film of him and how he approaches the game by the type of plays he makes on the field and how he goes out there to dominant while having fun.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

I plan on preparing for the draft by going to different facilities that will train me for pro day by helping me cut down and prepare my body for the professional level. Also I will find work on my craft by going to train at u48 performance to enhance my footwork skills.

What should we know about Delon Smith the person?

Personally as a person I feel like I give people who messed up early in life hope of a better future I graduated from an alternative school and signed d2 out of high school then wanted to prove that I was division 1 talent by deciding to enter the portal to go to junior college and received multiple d1 offers to graduating with my undergraduate degree. I aspire those who deserve second chances to take a risk and prove to themselves and God that anybody can turn themselves into whatever they want out of life. One thing about me is I never give up or back down from adversity which I feel like is a good mindset to abide by in life when trying to become successful in anything you set your mind too.

What do you love about the game of football?

The thing I love about football is the game itself and just the constant competition to get better everyday. Football also brings and teaches you life lessons that some people never learn about the experience being around others from different backgrounds coming together as one team.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Probably playing at HBU playing against UTEP, LA Tech and North Texas getting to play against higher competition making plays and competing with fans at the game really was a different experience.

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

I feel like I bring out the fans by making game changing plays by causing turnovers and third down stops. Also I bring leadership qualities and prove that I’m one of the top players on the field.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get overall a great player, teammate and proven worker off the field to be the best player I can be. Also get a guy that would play any role needed to help the team be successful on the field and has a great understanding of the game.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

My favorite coverage is probably cover two because I can put hands on receiver and read what’s going on underneath concept routes. Although I do not have a preference because I like cover 3 so I can see the whole field but am not afraid to play press man the whole game and shut down a side of the field.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I am looking to achieve perfecting my craft as a professional and be a completely sound player. Also want to be helpful in my community and help others around the country and help the youth in whatever they want to do in life being that person to make them feel like they can achieve their goals.