Dareke Young interview The Draft Network

[tarlhawk]

Just a quick check to get info on our last draft pick...Dareke Young from Div-II

Dareke Young: NFL Draft Prospect Interview

By: Justin Melo February 26th, 2022 The Draft Network

Every year, we witness a small-school prospect light up an annual all-star event by putting forth a performance that forces NFL talent evaluators to revisit their collegiate tape while handing them an improved draft grade. Lenoir-Rhyne's Dareke Young is that player in 2022.

The talented receiver was a big winner at East-West Shrine Bowl's weigh-in process, clocking in at 6-foot-2 and a rocked-up 223 pounds with a wingspan shockingly north of 79 inches. When it came time to hit the field, Young’s combination of size and speed was difficult for opposing defensive backs to deal with.

From a talent perspective, I felt like I was on the same level as the D-I guys. That’s just my honest evaluation. I knew I was going to have a successful week because I know what I’m capable of. I know how much hard work went into the process. I put everybody on notice. It was a good week for me. I built a lot of relationships with the coaches and scouts in attendance. It was a successful week for me.

JM: You were also one of the big winners at the weigh-in process, clocking in at 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds with a wingspan greater than 79 inches. Did you hear any positive feedback from teams regarding your measurements?

DY: I heard a ton of positive feedback from teams regarding my measurements. Everybody was thrilled with the results.
Being the size that I am, a lot of people don’t expect me to move as fast as I can. I was moving really fast throughout those practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl. I’m going to continue showcasing my speed and overall movement abilities throughout this process.

JM: The Shrine Bowl gave you an opportunity to compete against defensive backs from some of the biggest Division I programs in the nation. What do you think that did for your draft stock?

DY: I feel like I definitely boosted my draft stock out there. I understand how to use my size and speed to my advantage. It was on full display. I don’t feel like I was hindered by the chance to compete against D-I cornerbacks. Not at all. If anything, I proved that I belong at that level. I was out there running crisp routes and making big plays in the passing game. I made the most of every rep and ball that came my way.

JM: You certainly did. You will be labeled a “small-school prospect” throughout this process. It’s inevitable and happens to multiple prospects every year. How do you typically respond to that label?

DY: It just makes me carry a chip on my shoulder. It’ll be that way for the rest of my career. I don’t look at it as disrespectful or anything like that. I come from a small school. It is what it is. I don’t think people are questioning my overall talent and ability to play at the next level. I just happened to play five years at Lenoir-Rhyne. It gives me a chip on my shoulder. I feel like I was more than capable of playing at a bigger school. I just didn’t get that opportunity.

JM: You’ve proven that every step of the way. Do you feel like Dugger helped put Lenoir-Rhyne on the map? Have you noticed an uptick in the attention you’ve received since Dugger exploded onto the scene?

DY: I definitely feel like Dugger put Lenoir-Rhyne on the map. He was a second-round draft pick from a D-II school. He’s off to an extremely successful career with the New England Patriots. When the scouts came to our program to see him, they saw me as well. I’ve been told that I passed the eye test on those initial visits.


JM: It helped all parties involved. You’ve talked a lot about your size and speed as a receiver. It jumps off the screen. Do you have a favorite route to run?

DY: I love running a post route. I ran quite a few posts during one-v-one drills at the East-West Shrine Bowl and I won those routes and reps. I would definitely single out the post route. I’m built for that.

JM: You also have some experience playing special teams. You’ve returned kicks and punts. What do you enjoy about playing special teams?

DY: It’s another role you have to play. A lot of guys don’t love playing special teams, but I’ve never felt that way. I’m a guy that’s going to do whatever it takes to win. I recall my freshman year in college, I wasn’t playing much on the offensive side of the ball yet. I was pretty much exclusively a special teams guy at that point. I was introduced to how important special teams were throughout that season.

I’ve played on every special teams unit throughout the past five years. I like playing special teams. I was on every special teams unit at the East-West Shrine Bowl as well and I was the punt returner for the actual game. If my NFL team needs me to play special teams, I’ll put my best foot forward and I can lean on my experience.

JM: I’ve really appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Dareke Young?

DY: I’m going to make the most of my opportunity. I’m going to take care of the rest. I’m a humble, hard-working guy first and foremost. I’ve always been a self-motivator. I’ve never needed anybody to push me to work hard. I’m always going to give it 111% to help the team win.

I try to go above and beyond. If that means playing special teams, being the second or third receiver on the team, or even our go-to receiver, I’m prepared for any and all situations because I’ve played through all of those experiences. If a team decides to put their faith in me, I’m going to repay that faith.

[NorthHawk]

I wonder if PC/JS see Ricardo Lockette in this player?
There are some similarities.

[RiverDog]

I'm good with our 7th round picks. It fits with my "wide receivers are a dime a dozen" motto. Low risk, high reward.

[trents]

I wonder if PC/JS see Ricardo Lockette in this player?
There are some similarities.

Did you mean Tyler Lockett?

[NorthHawk]

[quote="NorthHawk I wonder if PC/JS see Ricardo Lockette in this player?
There are some similarities.

Did you mean Tyler Lockett?[/quote]

Nope Ricardo Lockette, the ST standout who got a career ending neck injury covering a punt or kickoff.
He was also the target of the infamous pass/interception in SB49.

[trents]

Yes, you are correct. My bad. There was indeed a Ricardo Lockette that played for the Hawks about 10 years ago.