NFL Draft Interview | Darius Fleming, Notre Dame

Darius Fleming Interview

Fleming has played a few positions during his time at Notre Dame. Has the ability to lay a big hit on opposing players. Could be seen as a situational pass rushing linebacker in the right system.

DraftSeason: What are your plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
Darius Fleming: I’m just training everyday on the different drills so that I perform at a very high level at the combine.  Focusing on speed a lot because I know some teams are concerned about my speed.

DraftSeason: What was your greatest accomplishment during your time at Notre Dame?
Darius Fleming: I really like how we came in from a 3-9 season and was able to slowly get ND back on the right track.  We didn’t win as many games as we would have liked but they are going in the right direction.

DraftSeason: You have played both defensive end and outside linebacker, where do you see yourself playing at the next level, any preferance?
Darius Fleming: I think playing both will help my draft stock a lot.  I believe teams want a guy that’s able to play both positions.  I can see myself playing a drop backer on first and second downs but also being able to rush the passer on third downs.

DraftSeason: Best overall player you have had the chance to play against during your college career?
I have played against some really good players so I don’t know if I can just pick one.  I thought sean mccoy, ringer from Michigan state, Andrew luck, and Martin from Standford  were all really good players that I played against.

DraftSeason: What do you feel you need to improve on the most before personal workouts/combine?
Darius Fleming: I think just moving in space and my change of direction are key for me at the combine and workouts.  I have also been working hard on my forty so that I can show teams that I have decent speed.

DraftSeason: Which current NFL player would you most compare yourself to?
Darius Fleming: I really admire how James Harrison plays the game.  He is a very physical player at the point and very active in his pass rush.  I really don’t let teams run the ball on me and he doesn’t either.

DraftSeason: Best part about being part of the Notre Dame family?
Darius Fleming: It’s a never ending thing and there are just so many people withn the family that I can lean on for anything I may need.

DraftSeason: What is one thing about you that many people don’t know?
Darius Fleming: I’m the youngest of 4 boys and the first to play football at the colligate level.  I didn’t actually start playing football until my freshman year of high school.   Bowling was my number one sport going into high school but my football coach convinced me to keep playing football.  Growing up I rode horses and bowled and I currently have one horse.