Name: Dylon Ross
School: Ripon College
Position: DL
Height: 6-5
Weight: 255
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals that I had set for myself in my final collegiate season was to be first team all-conference as well as a conference champion and have the opportunity to play in the NCAA Playoffs. I did accomplish being First Team All-Conference as well as being a conference champion, but because of a three-way tie we were not able to play in the playoffs.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I would say that my coaches think of me as a player who is hard working and has an unbelievable motor that always works and tries to improve my craft. They would say that I’m a vocal leader when needed, but a leader who leads by example more often than leading vocally. My teammates would say that I’m a serious guy who is more focused on winning a ball game rather than worrying about my stats, but that I’m also a guy who connects with his teammates and knows how to encourage them to relax in big games and reminds them to have fun playing the game. My teammates would say that outside of football I’m a guy who likes to joke around and have a good time with my teammates.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
I like to look at the hands and feet of my opposing offensive line. I think that looking at them pre-snap gives away what the play is going to be whether run or pass. I can tell when a play is going to be run or pass based on how an offensive lineman gets into their stance and how they walk into their spot pre-snap. I look at whether or not they drop their head on a run play or sit higher in a pass play. I can see whether it’s going to be a zone play or power based on how the tackle or guard gets in their stance. Watching an offensive lineman’s pass set I see whether or not I can beat them when speed or power and create my game plan from there on my pass rush. I watch an offensive lineman’s hands to see if they shoot their hands quick or if they are patient in their pass set. I look at whether they can handle a wide rush or if I can get right to them and work different moves from different setups in position and stance. I look to see if during a run if they catch and I can beat them with straight power or if they over set and I can cut underneath and close the gap with my speed. I separate film by different scenarios whether it be first or third down. Look at tendencies on different downs and distances to know whether I can predict run or pass.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I’m a guy who can beat you with either speed or power and I have incredible hands. I have multiple moves and counter-moves to get off blocks. I’m a guy who has a nose for the ball especially for being a defensive lineman. I have a motor that doesn’t stop and I’ll always give every play everything I got. I can lineup in multiple spots whether it be a 3-tech or all the way out in a wide-9 and give offenses different looks that can give an advantage to the defense. I have great lateral quickness and can move all around the line. I don’t have a dominant side that I lineup on and can work from both sides of the defensive line.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I continuously stay in the weight room working on becoming a stronger and more explosive athlete. I continue to work on my conditioning and field work. I work on defensive line drills, and drills that’s make me faster on the field and able to contribute on more than one position if need be. I focus on defensive line drills, but also work on linebacker drills to work on different skills and be a well-rounded athlete who can make an impact wherever I am placed.
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 a very personable person and get along with my teammates and the community supporting me. I’m always looking for opportunities to help my teammates and help the people in the community volunteering whenever needed. I spent this last fall going to the local elementary school reading with the kids every week. It is very easy for me to understand schemes and plays to where I don’t have to think about what I’m doing on the field and can just play free.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I have a first in and last out mentality who is always looking to get better and perfect my craft and give a team everything I have. I’m a guy who is always looking to learn and I’m very coachable. I will always put in the extra work. I want to be the best on the field and I’ll always continue on my path to become the best.
