Interview: 3-Star 2022 California DB Deville Dickerson is a Standout All-Purpose Skill Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The three-star recruiting status attached to Deville Dickerson was certainly earned a year ago. Anywhere a play was needed at the skill positions, Dickerson was there to make it happen. As that corner, nickel, free safety, Dickerson would routinely cover the opposing team’s best receiver taking a way a top play maker. The stat line popped for 36 stops, 31 solo with 17 passes broken up, three picks and he blocked four field goals. Sticking with special teams, he took back 24 punts for 232 yards and 16 kicks for 338. The Braves coaching staff worked him in on offense, more as a decoy, but that will change this season, still, he ended with 11 receptions for 84 yards.
Seeing Dickerson’s technique and footwork on defense, the 5-10, 165-pound, speedster has got skills. Those skills have already brought an offer from William & Mary with more programs looking in on the California Class of 2022 prospect.
Interview
Deville, I want to start today’s conversation off with your speed. Your game speed and burst are something else, and that is truly seen when you break on the ball on defense and all that you do on special teams. What is your best-timed run?
My 40 two weeks ago under laser was a 4.52. But football speed and track speed are different. Someone that runs a 10.4 in track can look slow on the field. As a DB we are doing everything backwards.
Agreed. Playing free safety in the Braves defense, what were some of the coverages you guy were executing in 2019?
A lot of Cover 3 and some mixed man with zone sides. We implemented half zone and half man. Some DBs would pressed up. They would put me on their best receiver in man and the rest of our secondary was in zone.
Of the many things you do really well as a defensive back, one thing that stands out is how long you stay in your backpedal. Do you walk around school, the grocery store, and/or the house going backwards?
(Laughs) I could. I’d be 100 percent down to do that being in my backpedal. Patience and being in the play along with my backpedal, on the film a receiver has to show their game. Their hips do not lie. The longer you read, they are not going to go slow than fast, give you a one-two, a fake, and then their route.
All jokes aside, besides how well you stay square, what were some of the other strengths to your skillset during the 2019 season?
My ability to have my feet work laterally and vertically. I think my footwork backwards and lateral is a strong point of my game on defense. I work fluidly and consistently. Most of my picks have come from being patient and my footwork. You look at the receivers’ stats that I cover, they may have one or two catches.
On special teams, you truly earned the return specialist label taking back punts and kicks. That is a combination of speed, field vision, good blocking, and want to. What fires you up when a return opportunity is coming to go make a play?
What gets me in that mindset are my offensive coordinator and my receivers’ coach. They do so much for me. I am blessed to have them around me. It is the least I can do to get them in position to score. They have done so much to help me out, I owe them. I try to get them great field position or not have to come on the field at all if I score.
You got some touches on offense as well. How were your skills added to the Braves offense a year ago?
Last year they used more on third downs or as a third down back. The defense, they would double me. This year, they will have to double me again and we have a lot of weapons coming back. That leaves my teammates open for the plays.
When the 2020 season gets going, will we see more of you on offense?
Yes. I am playing inside receiver mostly, maybe some outside depending on who we are playing.
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on with your game as a defensive back?
I have been working on my backpedal, that is never 100 percent but I want to get that to 100 percent. I have also been working on my lateral quickness to break in an out as fast as the receiver.
Where are you seeing the improvements in all that you do in the secondary?
I see my improvements in helping my teammates. I want everyone to be on the same level so they can be comfortable to make plays and know that they are having fun. The secondary is ego and mindset. I want to provide for everyone out there. I want them to have the mindset or ego along with the technique.
Are you changing up your defensive roles when the 2020 season begins?
I will be everywhere this year. It all depends on the team we are playing. If they have a star receiver, I may guard him all game or if they have a couple of receivers, I may play over the top. I might play safety to cover everyone instead of one or line up on one and give him hell.
I like that. A quick question about recruiting. I know you have an offer from William & Mary, which schools are showing interest?
Cal, UCLA, and San Diego State.
Do you play any other varsity sports for Lompoc?
Yes, I play basketball and track. I played basketball last year but I will be focusing on football this year. This offseason I will be an animal in the weight room. I will use track to help me with football.
Which events in track?
The 100, 200, 4×1, and 4×2. I long jumped last year a little bit.
What is your best time in the 200 and 100?
The 200 is my better event. In the 100, my best time was 11.67. In the 200 it was 23.7. We did not have a season last year; it was hard to get times.
Deville, it was great covering all this ground with you today. Thank you and keep up the hard work.
Yes, sir.
Photo credit: Dickerson family; Deville Dickerson