Dante Darden '18 Recruiting Profile

    Growing up I always loved football but the thought that I wasn't big enough always lingered in the back of my head. My sophomore I was thrown into a situation where I started at offensive tackle. Knowing I was undersized at the time sometimes worried me but I never let it get the best of me. I knew the other teams defensive lines would try to count me out but when it was time to strap on those pads I always gave it all I had. Junior year I started to see myself as someone who could potentially do some damage on the field.

    I was now under the rule of one of the most respected coaches in Indiana. The very first day my new head coach took over the team I was put under a more intense workout. I even dedicated my self to waking up at 5:45 a.m. to attend an early morning workout session. After sometime I could feel myself getting stronger and quicker. I was beginning to feel more confident in my body size. This was the year I began to start both ways at defensive end and offensive guard. Both positions being new but not unfamiliar. 

    At the end of my junior year I was voted First Team All Conference. That was a turning point in my football career. My hard work was paying off and I felt confident about the upcoming season. College football became an option recently when I sat back and told myself it's almost over. I couldn't grasp it so I made the conscious decision to strive to play college football. I don't know where I would be without football so I need to savor the game for as long as possible. This is why my eyes are open to any college football team that wishes to interact with me.