Name: Dejoun Lee
School: University of Delaware
Position: RB
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 180
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Coming off of a spring season where I finished 7th in the Walter Payton award race, my goal going into my last season was to finish first and bring home the prestigious award. Although I fell short of my goal I still managed to gain all conference status in a top conference in FCS football.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
The back to back seasons from spring to fall made it difficult to retool my body over the offseason so my main goal was to get back to my preseason health and follow up the spring year with another solid year of performance to show that the spring wasn’t just a flash in the pan. I managed to have numerous 100+ yard games and left everything I had on the field. At the end of the day, my goal is always to give every ounce of effort I can and I’m confident those who watch/watched me play will see that through the passion I play with.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I don’t like to speak for others, but I’m hopeful they would say I’m the same person every day. That I bring the same love and passion for the game day in and day out and am always there for any one of my brothers. I pride myself in staying grounded and not focusing on the achievements, but more so the beauty of the journey and lifting others up with me.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
A big thing for me is studying the tendencies of the D-line and linebackers, some backers scrape fast, others slow play the runs and that is key in know how I want to press the holes and give myself the best opportunities to make big plays. I also pay close attention to the defensive structure and the secondary alignment which can often help identify which way the D-line will slide. Furthermore I think it is imperative to study the individual opponents and find specific tendencies in their game that I can exploit.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I take a great deal of pride in being a well rounded back. I understand that running the football is essential to being a good running back, but I also have constantly worked on my route running and catching ability to make me a more flexible option to get on the field. I have become very comfortable in the slot and think I can excel through bubble screens and other pass catching opportunities that some backs may not be as well versed in.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am currently training at EXOS in San Diego for my pro day and will be out here until the beginning of March. This is a top of the line facility and program and I wanted to be sure to give myself every bit of advantage I can get to be sure that I optimize my potential.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I’m quite versatile and give coaches the opportunity to change the pace of the game through my play style. I look to be the spark in an offense and get the team going at times where we are lull. In regards to off the field, I hold myself accountable in all that I do, I’m sure to think first before taking any action. My college coach told me that the best thing a player can do is make his most subconscious thought that of the team, and have embodied that ever since. Lastly, I am not shy and I look to truly gain connections with my teammates and work my way into a leadership role after following the leaders before me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
If there is one thing I can promise you it is that I am going to give you my all. I understand there are no second chances in this profession and I look to make the most of the first one provided and never look back. My goal is to be the best version of me that I can, and that is what you will get. Lastly, although I am a smaller back, I am very comfortable blocking in the backfield. Not just a simple pop, but proper technique to ensure I secure the block.