J.R. Glymph: So live up to that Florida boy reputation.  What are you numbers looking like?  Height/ Weight/ 40 time.

J.R. Glymph: What are your strengths as a player?

Octavius Darby: I feel like my versatility is my strength.  I can play on the line, in the backfield, in the slot or in motion.  I’m a good receiver from anywhere on the field.
 

J.R. Glymph: What are some things you want to try to improve on as you move on to the next level?

Octavius Darby: I would like to improve my blocking most.  I want to get bigger and become a better blocker so I can be as complete as I can as a player.
 

J.R. Glymph: A lot of people are projecting you as a FB on the next level. Do you feel more comfortable as a TE or FB and what are the key differences?

Octavius Darby: I would say either.  I feel comfortable catching passes from the TE position and I also feel comfortable in the backfield.  I think I’m a good enough player and I’m willing to work hard to be successful wherever they put me.
 

J.R. Glymph: What NFL players do you like to watch play the most and do you pattern your game after anyone?

Octavius Darby: I like to watch and pattern my game after Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey and Dallas Clark.  Those are all guys that I like to watch play.
 

J.R. Glymph: Describe your experience at a Historically Black University?

Octavius Darby: Man, it’s a hard thing to explain, you know.  But just the overall atmosphere.  The band is one of a kind.  And I think there’s more of a family atmosphere at an HBCU.  It’s hard to explain but you know it when you feel it.
 

J.R. Glymph: How did you end up at SC State after leaving NC State?

Octavius Darby: Coach (Buddy Pugh) contacted me and let me know he’d love to have me here. And he got it done.  I wanted to be here too.
 

J.R. Glymph: I’m a South Carolina boy, so, in high school, I played against Buddy Pugh’s teams. What’s it like playing for him?

Octavius Darby: I love playing for him.  He’s one of those coaches that’s always upfront with you so you always know where you stand with him, you know.  He’s big on communication and he definitely takes care of his players. 
 

J.R. Glymph: Who are some of the tougher players you’ve had the opportunity to face in college?

Octavius Darby: Some the toughest players we’ve played against/ Wow.  Definitely Justin Durant (OLB)  from Hampton (now with the Jacksonville Jaguars) and Kendall Langford (DE) from Hampton (now with the Miami Dolphins).  We also played against Chad Simpson (RB) from Morgan State (now with the Indianapolis Colts.
 

J.R. Glymph: Give me a name of one of your teammates that you feel deserves more attention from us so called experts?

Octavius Darby: More attention from you experts?  Phillip Morris, the wide receiver.  He’s definitely a player I think should be getting noticed.  He’s a really good player.

**Phillip Morris, 6’4”, 190 lb, 22 rec., 305 yd, 4 td in 2008 thru 8 games**
 

J.R. Glymph: What are your thoughts on the NFL cracking down on personal fouls and unnecessary roughness?  Do you think it’s taking away from the physical nature of the game?

Octavius Darby: I do appreciate the fact that they are trying to protect the players and keep them on the field.  But I do think, at times, they go a bit too far and it does take away from the physicality of the game.  I just think they need to find some kind of middle ground.
 

J.R. Glymph: What’s your major and what would you like to do after your football days are done?

Octavius Darby: Family & Consumer Services and Business.  After football I’d like to start my own real estate business.  I hope I still have a lot more football to play before that though.
 

J.R. Glymph: What people have had the biggest influences on your life in and out of football?

Octavius Darby: That would have to be my mom and my grandma.  They both played a big role in my life.

 
J.R. Glymph: Alright, here’s an opportunity to sell yourself.  Tell me why NFL should draft Octavius Darby.

Octavius Darby: Why should teams draft Octavius Darby?  I would say, first and foremost, my versatility.  I’m willing and able to play anywhere they need me.  I work hard to always get better and I’m not afraid of hard work.  I just feel like I’ll do anything to make it if I’m given an opportunity. 
 

J.R. Glymph: Alright Octavius, thanks for your time.  I’m not going to wish you luck because you don’t need it.  So, have a successful remainder of your season and on you grind to the NFL level.  Stay healthy and we at NFLDRAFTBLITZ will have our eyes on you.

Octavius Darby: Thank you so much.  Thanks for the opportunity man.