Name: Dorian Kithcart
School: Mercer
Position: DT/NG
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 298
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
At the beginning of my season our coach made us write down our goals and post it in our lockers. For me, I didn’t want to worry about stats, all conference selections or comparing myself to other players. I wanted to control what I could control and find ways to help pay it forward to my teammates. Helping guys learn the game, how to practice, how to watch film, answer questions, preparing my young guys to be ready for when their moment came on the field and in life. I knew the rest would take care of itself and it did. I was All-Conference for a 2nd time and garnered numerous accolades off the field throughout the year including a finalist for the Doris Robinson Scholar Athlete Award, semifinalist for William V. Campbell Trophy, CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and AFCA Good Works Nominee. I was also able to build a stronger relationship with my guys and help younger guys step up into bigger roles throughout the year.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
“DK”. A reserved guy who is smart, tough, hardworking, passionate and resilient. No matter the adversity he never quits and finds a way to get the job done. A guy that leads by example both on and off the field and puts his team before himself.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
As an interior DL and box player, the most important view for me in the film room is the end zone copy. The end zone copy allows me to find little details about the OL and pair them up to different plays or in game scenarios. I look at the stance, weight distribution, the size of the split, and depth off the ball pre-snap. Post-snap I study the different blocking combinations I could encounter during the game and how other DL fared against it. Doing this allows me to understand the strengths and weaknesses of an OL unit and be mentally prepared for the game. I take what I learned from film to the practice field and make sure my technique(hand placement, feet, and strike) matches what I expect that Saturday.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My ability to consistently strike violently, knock OL, control gaps, and then use my quickness to make plays across the LOS is what sets me apart from other interior DL prospects.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan is to train back at Mercer with a few of my teammates while I finish up my last semester of my masters program in Mechanical Engineering.
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 the strengths and abilities I can bring to an organization includes:
-Competitive Nature
-Eagerness to learn
-Leadership
-Accountability
-Adaptability
-Hard worker
-High F.B.I.
-Toughness
-A guy that values giving back within the community
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
Just having this opportunity to be where I’m at right now is a blessing. I’ve been able to prove myself and dominate against great competitors on the field and make meaningful impact on others lives off it. If you give me an opportunity to be apart of you organization I know that I will continue to add value both on the field, in the locker room, and outside in the community.