NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: DJ Olmstead, DB, Washburn

What is your name?

DJ Olmstead

What is your Height/Weight?

5’ 11” 190

What is your position?

S

Where do you play college football?

Washburn

Where are you from?

Scottsdale, AZ

Who is your role model, and why?

Larry Fitzgerald. He carries himself with so much class and is such a selfless player. It has never been about trophies or money for him. He plays the game with tremendous passion and is a true team player. Overall he is just a good person and resembles good character on and off the field.

Who was your favorite teacher?

My 5th grade teacher Mrs. Quisberg.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Growing up I was a swimmer but I also ran track in high school.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

John Ross. My junior year I played for University of Idaho, he has incredible speed and could take the top off the defense on any play.

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

Peter Pfannenstiel. The guy is extremely humble and doesn’t get near the credit he deserves as a football player.

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

3 Peat by Lil Wayne

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

I’d say Tyrann Mathieu. A player with great vision and football IQ. He has a nose for the football and knows how to make a play. A versatile athlete who plays with confidence. Those are some of the same things I pride myself on.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

I played a total of 6 varsity games in 2 years of high school due to injuries. I proceeded to sit out the 2 seasons following my high school career due to the absence of the recruiting process. I walked on to the local junior college (Scottsdale CC) after spending some time away from the game, despite being told “I probably wouldn’t make it” by one of the coaches on staff at the time. I finished my last 3 years of college football as a scholarship player and eventually earning All-American Honors. Throughout this journey, dedication and determination were two things that drove me consistently, along with the desire to be successful. Not one time through this journey did I lose faith or sight of the things I wanted the most. Putting my hand in God’s hand and trusting in the process are also things that helped me overcome all these obstacles.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I thank God before every game. I know the opportunities I’ve been presented with are not of the human hand. Every time I get a chance to play the game I love, it’s a blessing

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

2017 Heart of Texas Bowl my senior year of college… At a crucial part of the game, a run broke out through the middle of the defense. I chased down the running back who was heading to the end zone,  punched the ball out from behind him, giving the ball back to our offense. It was a solid heads up play and one I will always remember

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

Participating in Feed My Starving Children, packaging and shipping food to those who are less fortunate all across the world. In my opinion, its important to give back in any way, any chance you get

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Growing up my favorite teams were the Chiefs and the Titans

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Will Smith, Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali.