Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: George Durant, LB, Louisville

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: George Durant, LB, Louisville

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

GD: One. University at Buffalo.

Where did you choose and why?

GD: University at Louisville. Coach Kragthorpe gave me a chance to compete. He never promise anything. Not even a scholarship. Just an opportunity to compete. So I took it, mainly because is was the only opportunity I had; but I was determined to make the most of it.

What were your goals for your senior year?

GD: I told myself I wanted to to be a value able part of my teams success. On defense and special teams. I also wanted to increase my stats in ever category.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

GD: No scout has met with me.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

GD:  My intelligence and knowledge of the game is my best quality. Know what the is wanting to do (through film study), and how they are trying to attack the defense allows me to plays much faster and make more plays.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

GD: First I look at down and distance, and the personnel. Next I recognize the formation(s) (also lookin at the cuts and splits of the formations. Recognizing the top run(s) and pass(es) out of the formation(s). I also try to see if they change up what the do depending on different defensive schemes. Then I start to look at my opponent. I look at his mannerisms and try to find strengths & weaknesses.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

GD: Travis Kelce, TE from Cincinnati. We went at it back and forward all game.

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

GD: To me I would say Derrick Brooks. Although he was the biggest linebacker when he played. He seemed to alway know what he offense was going to do. You could tell he was a student of the game. Which is a part of me as a football player that I take pride in.

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

GD: Myself. Somehow some way, it seems like I have always found myself back sliding whenever would get on a steady road of progress. I have learned to take things as they are & think situations through before I act. I think I am my biggest enemy. When ever I set my mind on a goal and do whatever it takes to get that goal. I usually succeed.

What system fits your style of play the best?

GD: Whatever system I the defensive coordinator places me in. I can adjust and play in any type of system.

What is your biggest strength?

GD: I am a very intelligent player.

What is your biggest weakness?

GD: My initial step. This is what made me become a better student of the came. If I can know where u want to gob for the snap it would help my anticipation.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

GD: I am a player that has the ability to make a defense better. I am a player that will be where I need to be when the it need to be there. I am a player that can be trusted on my my coaches and my teammates.

Growing up, who was your role model?

GD: On the football field it was Derrick Brooks. In life it has always been my mother.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

GD: Raymond James Stadium is about 30 mins from my house and I grew up a Bucs fan. As I began to understand football better I start to long the way the played defense. The undoubtable leader of that defense was Derrick Brooks who became my favorite player. He was a vocal leader on the field & was a great example off of it around the community. I don’t know if it’s true or not (I’ve always wanted to ask him), but I heard he once use the bathroom on himself because I did not want to miss a rep. You have to love a player like that.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

GD: I thought my father was all world as a kid. When I found out he was basically a phony, it killed me without me even realizing it. I never got over it u till I became a junior or senior in high school. I told him to his face about himself & the was he was behaving. At that point I realized that if someone doesn’t want to help themselves then you cannot help them.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

GD: Jesus, my future wife, and nephew.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

GD: something for my mother. She’s given me far more than anything I could ever give her.