Derrick Shelby Interview

-I was given the oppurtunity to do an interview with former Utah Utes and now Miami Dolphins DE Derrick Shelby. Played 4 years at Utah and was signed as an Undrafted Free Agent by the Dolphins hours after the draft.

Q: Most of the media attention goes to all the quys that are drafted, as they leave the Undrafted Free Agents alone. How do you feel about that?



Yea alot of drafted guys do get alot of media attention but that doesnt bother, if i had it my way i would never deal with the media. I hate doing interviews


Q: I want to ask about what happened after the draft. How long was it from the final pick being called until your phone was ringing off the hook with calls from NFL teams looking to sign you?
It seemed like during the entire 7th round my phone was ringing nonstop. Even though I wasnt drafted it was still nice to know there were so many tams still interested


Q: In your 4 year career as a member of the Utah Utes, what would you say was your greatest memory or memories?
Definitely the  sugar bowl season, there arent many teams going undefeated these days so to put together a season like that was unforgettable. 


Q: You are a member of the DEC Family, what was it about the agency and your Agent David Canter that made you know they were the right fit?
David was just a easy going guy who was really knowledgeable about his craft  thats what i liked about him and thats why i decided he was the best representation for me.


Q: You are now a member of the Miami Dolphins as they look for a pass rusher opposite Cameron Wake. As a rookie what do you think you can bring to that defense?
I havent looked that far ahead right now im just focusing on making the team. 


Q: Not only are you a great football player, but you are also very strong academically earning Academic All-Conference Honors all 4 years and being a member of  Utah's Student Athlete Mentors? Tell us more about the value of education to you, and do you feel like schools and kids should focus a little more on it?
Well growing up,like many people, my parents preached the value of school over sports so i was always pushed to do the best i could in the classroom. My thought were that i didnt want something like grades getting in my way of playing football.


Q: What advice would you give to kids out there who have their hearts set on making it to the National Football League and living the dream, as you will get the chance to now?


Just keep after it, things might not always go how you want them but just know that anything worth having wont be easy to get. Along this football journey I've had many slips and stumbles but in the end persistence pays off.


Make sure to follow Derrick Shelby on Twitter (DerrickShelbyII)


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