Name: Lance Deveaux Jr
School: Northern Illinois University
Position: OLB
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 220
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I set/accomplished in my final season was to continue to grow as a leader and help set the foundation for a young team. Also, I wanted to earn all conference honors and win the conference championship which I was blessed to accomplish both.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
How I took advantage of the extra year of eligibility is by becoming a better student of the game and leader. I was able to learn and better understand opponents on film whether it was a play tendency out of a certain formation or small tales from an O lineman’s stance. Also, I was able to help lead and be a role model for a young team.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
What my coaches and teammates would say about the type of player I am is that I’m a hard worker and a guy that will lead by example.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Some of things I focus on to improve my game is backfield alignments because depending on the depth of the back could tell you whether or not it’s a direct or fast flow type run play. Down and distance let’s you know possible plays you may get from the offense. For example, 2nd and short is usually a waste down for an offense so they might take a shot knowing that they won’t have much to gain on 3rd down. Also, the stance of an O lineman. Some O Lineman like to be light on their hand or sitting back further than normal because they may potentially be pulling.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other prospects is my versatility. I’m a former safety, but played my career at LB which I’ve played all three LB positions for my school. I’m physical enough to play in the box and move good enough to play in the field.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths and abilities I will bring to a team on and off the field is physicality, effort and being coachable. Those are some of qualities that I take pride in as a player.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL and other leagues is all I need is an opportunity to showcase my abilities as a player at the next level to help whatever organization I end up with succeed.