Name: Dashaun Maurice Jerkins
School: Vanderbilt first 4 years, Olemiss, then UMass
Position: FS/SS
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My goals were to finish out my college career strong in terms of tackling and being a play maker for the defense I was playing for. My first goal was to not leave college football without taking an interception back for a touchdown. Which I accomplished pretty soon my last season.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would call me a high IQ player because of my ability to take class to grass. Not only that but my ability to read and dictate what an offense wants to do. I’m great and disciplined out my breaks and rarely lets deep balls go over my head. Im a player who wants to go get the ball by any means.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Film is the bread and butter of this game. When im watching film or studying im trying my best to first figure out where my eyes are located and the discipline that have with them throughout the play. Then from there im focused on my movements and how I can I maximize getting out my breaks, making tackles, and making my reads.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I believe what separates me is that the things I am good at I had to work really hard to achieve them. My knowledge, my calmness, my ability to read and react. The smoothness in my peddles and getting out my breaks and My body control is what I believe separates me from other prospects.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan is to continue getting stronger, faster, and smarter so that when I get my opportunity I make the most of it.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I believe that I will bring a lot to a team not only my strengths that I bring on the field but my leadership qualities off the field. I believe I have an effect on guys around me that push them to go harder and want to be better because that’s always my mentality. I understand how important it is to keep going even through failure. It takes special people to be able to do things like that. On the field Im a natural playmaker, going to be in the right spot majority of the time. My ability to be able to communicate, run and have a plan for what’s coming next. My mindset is about what the Offense of coordinator wants to accomplish. When playing against an opponent.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My pitch would just be that any team that picks me up is getting a steal. I may not be talked about a lot or mentioned but I’m a dog. You can only keep dogs locked away for so long. I work hard everyday to become the best version of myself and won’t stop until my dreams are accomplished. I offer more than what I can just do on the field my leadership qualities have effects on all those around me as well.