Interview: Speedy 2022 Texas CB Dorian Friend Shinned Earning All-District Honors
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There was a baptism by fire during the 2019 season at Spring High School, and Class of 2022 cornerback/nickelback Dorian “DK” Friend came out the other side a grizzled veteran. The 5-10, 160-pound, defender tallied 27 stops, 12 pass breakups, and snagged two passes earning All-District honors. As the Lions went through their 8-3 season, Friend started catching the eye of college coaches earning his first offer from Illinois State with outside interest building.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Lone Star State’s rising corners covering his big sophomore season and rising recruiting options.
Interview
DK, you had a big season earning first team All-District honors with your play in the Lions’ secondary. What were you doing well to earn the post-season accolades?
“Playing a lot of man coverage. I was staying with my man, playing through the receiver, staying with the receiver, and not letting him catch any balls.”
Which coverages were you guys running?
“We ran Cover 4 and some Cover 3 and cover 2.”
How did your overall game improve last season within the schemes?
“It improved a lot. Over the offseason I worked on my man coverage, staying on the receiver. I got stronger too, which helped. I also worked on my press.”
What was a challenge or style of play you had to face and overcome during the season?
“A big problem was switching to corner after I had played nickel. It was different holding down longer and taller receivers.”
How did that adversity make you better?
“It made me better in a lot of ways. For me, holding a taller receiver helped my ball skills. The receivers on the outside are faster in their routes, and that made me cover them better.”
Looking ahead, which positions might you play in 2020?
“You will see me at slot, kick and punt return, and I am staying at corner.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“Pressing, my footwork, speed, agility, and ball skills.”
Let’s talk about your speed. It is posted that you ran a 4.47?
“I ran a 4.37.”
Oh man. My bad. But that is fantastic. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Where did you post that time?
“At the SPE Elite National Camp a few weeks ago.”
Are there any other camps you may attend this offseason?
“The Under Armour, Opening, and Next Generation camps.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest that you know of so far?
“Schools that are showing interest are FSU, Arizona, and Penn State.”
Which school dropped that first offer?
“Illinois State.”
Have you visited any programs yet?
“Yes. I have visited Texas A&M.”
Was that for a game day or Junior Day visit?
“Game day.”
How did that visit go?
“It was cool. I met the players, DB coaches, and Coach Jimbo Fisher (head coach).”
Are there any other visits ahead?
“FSU in April and A&M a couple more times.”
In addition to receiving first team 16-6A All-District honors, you also received Academic All-District honors. What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.6.”
During this school year, are you competing in any other sports for Spring High?
“Track.”
Which events?
“The 4×1, 4×2, 4×4, 100, 200, and triple and long jump.”
Wow. That’s impressive. DK, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; No. 23 Dorian Friend