Talent overcomes adversity in story of 2015 DE recruit Darius Fullwood

Part Two of a two part interview with Darius Fullwood

 

The football gods are a finicky bunch. Fans, coaches, parents, and players can attest to the unexplainable bounce of the ball here, the turf monster reaching up and stopping the best of the best out of nowhere, or an unexplained injury hampering the play of the inspired.

With Maryland 2015 defensive end recruit Darius Fullwood the football gods gave him the physical tools of potential greatness but have tested his mental toughness on and off the gridiron.

In Part Two of an exclusive interview with Darius Fullwood the 6’4”, 240 pound, Our Lady of Good Counsel star talks about his high school career to date and preparing for the 2014 season.

 

Darius, Our Lady of Good Counsel finished 6-5 last season with a first round playoff loss to DeMatha (29-28). How does the 2014 team look?

“We lost a lot of seniors and key players from last year but we had a lot of injuries last season. This year we have a lot of younger players that will be able to step up to help us win. I think we’re looking good this season.”

What do the Falcons need to do to have a successful season this year?

“We need to be really strong on defense. We have to be one of the best defensive teams in the league. The offense will be able to get good numbers on the board for us. We have a great quarterback, running back, and group of wide receivers. We just have to stop the other team.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I’m a very good pass rusher and I can defend the run well. I’ve got a good football IQ. I like to study our opponents and breakdown their offense, doing so has given me a good feel for the game.”

What are your goals for the 2014 football season?

“Personally I want to finish the whole season and finish strong. I want to be in double-digits in sacks this year and try to be a good leader for my team. I just want to finish off strong especially in the big games and help us beat the teams we need to beat. When the season is done I want to look back knowing I showed up for every game we had.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2013?

“Think I did really well. I developed well and prepared myself to have a good season.”

You had an injury that cut your season short to four games, what happened?

“In the fourth game of the season I broke my right foot. I was blocking someone on an interception and got rolled on from behind. In the four games I played I had a lot of tackles and sacks in those games. I’m looking forward to this season.”

Your foot injury wasn’t the only medical situation you’ve had to deal with in your early football career is it?

“In 2011 I had to have open heart surgery. The surgery helped me with football. It helped me want to pursue football more than I did before. I realized the game can be taken away from you just like that and not to take it for granted.”

What procedure was done during the operation?

“They had to move my artery.”

No more problems there anymore?

“Everything is fine now.”

Back to football, how will your role change this year compared to last year?

“Coach (Bob) Milloy may use me at tight end at different times during the season. He won’t play me at tight end all the time but a few times in the game on goal line stand or on third down situations when we need a first down.”

Is there an NFL player you model your game after?

“There are so many great players I love watching on the defensive line. J.J. Watt (Houston Texans) is one of them. I just enjoy watching the guys play the game.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My parents have been very involved in my recruiting process. They have gone on different trips with me, helping me with everything. My position coach (Kevin McFadden) has been a big part of my football career. He’s been there for me through the ups and downs, helping me get better as a player on the field. There have been a lot of people who have been there for me trying to help me succeed.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I love defense. I love getting after it, getting at the running back, getting after the quarterback. Defense is what wins championships and I want to be a part of that. I really like getting after the quarterback a lot.”

 

Darius is a talent on the field backed by his scholarship offers from Alabama, Michigan State, Florida State, Penn State, Iowa, and Rutgers along with offers from his current Top Five favorites Virginia Tech, Miami, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, and Kentucky. Perhaps one of the more impressive attributes of the Maryland native beyond his ability to play the game is his mental approach to the game and his humble approach to the tremendous gifts given to him by the finicky football gods.

 

Photo credit: goodcounselsports.com; Darius Fullwood

Secondary photo credit: studentsports.com; Darius at the Nike Open camp.