Name: Ayinde Warren
School: University of Sioux Falls/West Virginia State
Position: Safety/Nickel
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 204

Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?

Earn my spot and purpose on the team. All-Conference Honors, lead the team in interceptions, win a Conference and National Championship, finish as the #1 defense in the nation, and finish my MBA degree.

Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?

Relentless, passionate, aggressive.

Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?

I have been training on my own at the USF facilities and at the Avera Sports Institute. I am currently about to finish my MBA degree in May 2018. I plan on finding a job to make enough money so that I can afford to train at an institute that sends athletes to the next level.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?

First, I figure out the formation and personnel groups. I break down the teams top formations and tendencies. Down and distance is very important and can determine which type of plays can be called. I watch the offensive line to determine pass/run tendencies. I watch the speed of the receiver in relation to my speed. I figure out if I can play him close and tough and if he likes contact. I look for patterns in receivers route running and I watch how a receiver acts when it’s a run vs. pass. Does he run every route like he is getting the ball, or does he take plays off? Does the receiver go for the knockout block or is he a position blocker? I look for quarterback tendencies. Every play that I watch, I picture myself out there simulating how I would react if I was actually there.

Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?

What separates me from other players is that I am versatile and my “whatever it takes” mentality. My speed, instincts, and power give me the ability to make it very tough on the offense. I have the speed to defend the slots and the force to stop the run. I see the game like a safety, move like a corner, and hit like a linebacker. I have the “whatever it takes” mindset that allows me to complete whatever task is assigned to me by any means necessary.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Great size and strength, great eyes, hands, and feet. Quick feet and speed. Good read and react ability and able to fight trough blocks using hands and quickness. Excellent open field tackler as well excellent coverage skills. My drive and passions that I play with makes the guys around me better and my maximum effort is contagious.

Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

My final pitch is that I would be a worthy investment. I just need an opportunity to show what I’m capable of. I came from a small school and only had 1 offer out of high school to a D2 program. I’ve made the most out of the opportunities that have come my way. I have put my blood sweats and tears into this game and I didn’t come this far to only come this far. I know that if given the opportunity to play at the next level, I would not only make an immediate impact on the team, but in the community as well. Through high school and college I have left each school that I attended a better place than when I first got there. I plan on keeping this trend going. I have a family that has sacrificed so much to get me to where I am today. It is time for me to take care of them.