Name: Daylan Skidmore
College: Harding
Position: Inside Linebacker
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 235
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Daylan: Violent, tough, savvy.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Daylan: I have been lifting in the mornings and doing field work/sprints/conditioning in the afternoons four times a week. M/T Th/F and yoga/recovery workouts on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s at D-1 training facility in Little Rock.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
Daylan: John Lynch- I play football for the collisions and it’s what I love to do. There is nothing like running full speed into someone and imposing your will on them. Lynch was a very hard hitter and known for his high impact style of play. Whether, I make the play or not, I want to hit somebody hard.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
Daylan: There are a lot of things I look for when watching film. Before I actually break film down, I watch through all of a game and just observe what the team looks like on film at a glance. Then, I break down their favorite plays and formations and figure out offensive tendencies. Typically, I memorize top plays out of each formation. Second, I study different down and distance scenarios and try to figure out tendencies in different scenarios. Third, I study nuances. For example, hand placement or body posture that may give me some time of insight as to what type of play is going to be ran next. Last, I picture myself running through different defensive plays and how to adjust the call based off of their certain play or formation and run through any adjustments I might have to make during the play or before the play.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
Daylan: For one, I believe what separates me from others at my position is my ability to lead and take charge of a defense and have a strong understanding of our opponent. I think it’s invaluable to have a middle backer that can lead and take charge and make adjustments without thinking about it and making it seem flawless and natural. Also, my work ethic is hard to beat. I just don’t really believe many people out there are willing to work as hard as I do and will. Last, I don’t believe that anyone else loves to make contact like I do. My goal is to strike and punish every single play. I love doing that more than anything.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Daylan: My work ethic and leadership abilities. I think these go hand in hand. At Harding, I was a team captain for two years and I believe I got nominated for this position because everyone knew how hard I worked and how passionate I was about our team. (Off the field) After five years of hard work we went 13-1 this last season and had the best season in school and conference history. I believed that my work ethic pushed my teammates to work hard as well and it finally paid off. (On the field) I am a very dependable player and my teammates trust me to do my job and push them and hold them to that same standard as well. If they aren’t running as hard as they can, or executing as well as they can, or pursuing at 100% then I don’t even really want them on the field with me. But, I believe my mentality rubs off on other people and drives them to want to do all those things better.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Daylan: I’m pursuing this because I love football, I really love football, but it’s so much bigger than just me. My WHY isn’t just for me, it’s for my family that depends on me and my success to provide for them. Really, I’m trying to take care of my mom and nothing will keep me from doing that. With that as only a part of my motivation, you will have a player that is fully committed, passionate about the game, and will be thankful and honored for any opportunity I get to play this game. Whether it be practice squad or special teams or starting, I will receive it thankfully and humbly and feel blessed for the opportunity to live my dream for an NFL team. I will be a leader in whatever role I have, a hard worker, a studied player and someone that likes to make everyone around him a better player and person.
