A FishDuck.com exclusive report from University of Oregon Pro Day at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
The measure of any talented, dedicated, and dynamic college athlete often comes from how they respond to adversity. For Oregon safety Erick Dargan and team-voted Most Valuable Player, a trial of his character came when the All Pac-12 Second Team defenseman did not receive an invitation to the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
At http://t.co/BcNwBE0UGy — Erick Dargan Rose Bowl Edit #GoDucks #OregonDucks #WinTheDay #FightingDucks #RoseBow… pic.twitter.com/sEIEu1Zyaa
— College Fun (@collegefunyes) February 16, 2015
What was Dargan’s response?
“Adds fuel to the fire,” Dargan said.
Oregon free safety Erick Dargan got his shot to perform before representatives from every NFL team on Thursday in at Oregon’s Pro Day.
So when opportunity knocked on the doors of the Moshofsky Center in Eugene yesterday at the University of Oregon’s Pro Day, Dargan brought his typical full tank of fuel, along with an auxiliary jump-can overflowing from his combine exclusion and put it all on the line in front of representatives from around the NFL.
“They’re sleeping on me. I had some of the better numbers in the country and was able to perform at one of the highest platforms. I think that speaks for itself,” Dargan said before Thursday’s combine-style workout.
CBSSports.com NFL draft expert Dane Brugler recently listed the Pittsburgh, CA native as the 8th overall safety prospect for the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft, with a projected selection in the 6th round. Brugler described Dargan’s strengths:
Dargan clocks an average 4.62 second 40-yard dash.
Solidly-built frame with natural thickness and torque. Good play speed and range with controlled movements and ankle flection to sink-and-burst. Physical tackler with strong hands/wrists to finish tackles and rip the ball out (seven career forced fumbles). Powerful hips and drives through his target. Fills run lanes with reckless abandon, attacking the line of scrimmage. Active shedding blocks, using his hands and body strength to squirm off bodies with his aggressive demeanor. Good footwork in press to turn and run with receivers downfield. Tracks the ball well with the ballskills to knock down passes with his back to the quarterback. Highly active and was asked to cover a large area. Top competitor NFL preparation skills, passion and mental toughness.
This last season, the defensive playmaker and ballhawk led the Pac-12 in interceptions (7), led the Ducks with 95 total tackles and 61 solo tackles.
After the Pro Day, Dargan felt confident about his performance and his overall body of work at Oregon.
“I feel like I’m one of the best safeties out there. My film speaks for itself and just knowing myself. I don’t think anyone can attack the ball better than me,” Dargan said.
Top photo by Donald Alarie
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Jordan is a lifelong Duck fan currently living in San Diego. Jordan graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, after serving a prestigious fellowship with the Washington State House of Representatives. Upon graduation, he worked as an English language teaching assistant for the Spanish Ministry of Education’s Ambassadorial Program in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. Jordan has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California, covering a wide range of topics, including sports, local politics, and crime. He is VERY excited to be writing about his beloved Oregon Ducks.