Before Boston College took the field against Temple, I was able to have a great conversation with their star WR, Dedrick Dewalt. Dewalt is a 5'9", 187-pound dynamo with 4.36 speed. He's been compared to Az Hakim of the Rams and in looking at Dedrick's playing style, that is a very fair comparison. Dewalt has been B.C.'s leading receiver for two straight years and shows the skills necassary to play at the next level. Keep an eye on him this weekend as the Eagles take on Virginia Tech. Below is some info on Dedrick, followed by our interview.
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 Name: Dedrick Dewalt
School: Boston College
Position: WR
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 187
40 Time: 4.36
Draft Status: 4th-6th round projection at this time. A top 20 WR prospect.
My View: Dedrick is a very smart, funny, humble young man with a future in the NFL ahead. He has sprinter's speed and the ability to make the big play. He needs work in his route running and getting in and out of his breaks, but overall, Dewalt looks like a very solid WR prospect. He'll have to make his niche on special teams and as a 4th WR.
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?
D.D.: A hard worker, very coachable, and a player who will give 110% on every play.
Q: What are your plans for after your football career is over?
D.D.: I want to get into real estate. I want to be able to help out the less fortunate find homes.
Q: What are your three biggest playing strengths?
D.D.: My speed, my confidence, and my ability to find the ball in the air.
Q: DO you have any weaknesses in your game that you are trying to improve on?
D.D.: I want to become more physical in my down field blocking.
Q: Are you mentally ready for the NFL?
D.D.: I believe I am, but that is easy for me to say. I'm on the outside looking in. I feel I've been preparing myself mentally for years now. I'll make the adjustment just fine.
Q: Do you feel you are physically ready as well?
D.D.: As far as me as a WR goes, than yes. I want to increase my strength, but I play in the Big East. I go up against top level competition every week. Alot of these guys will be playing on Sundays.
Q: What are your goals from now until draft day?
D.D.: I want to start by winning the Big East title. If we win, that means I have done my job. I want to show consistency every week and be able to show scouts and NFL teams that I belong and that I can help them win. As far as draft day itself, I haven't thought too much on it. I just pray for the best.
Q: Do you feel you should be mentioned with Javon Walker, Kelly Campbell, and the other top rated receivers available for the 2002 NFL Draft?
D.D.: I think I belong with them, but I love my role as the underdog. I only have one direction I can go and that is up. Those guys can only stumble and fall. I like where I stand right now.
Q: You have been compared to Az Hakim of the Rams. Do you model your game after him at all?
D.D.: I think that's a fair comparison. We have similar builds and a similar style of play. I pattern my game after him. I also watched what Santana Moss did at Miami.
Q: How did the events on September 11th affect you?
D.D.: It hit way too close for home. I mean, we fly out of the airport where the planes were hijacked. That is very scary for me and very scary for our team. It was a horrible situation. It just goes to show how precious life is. I just count my blessings everyday because you never know when your time is up.
Q: What is your greatest football moment?
D.D.: My sophomore year against #2 ranked Virginia Tech when I had a 99 yard TD catch. It was a school and Big East record.
Q: What CD do you have in your CD player right now?
D.D.: I got the new Jay-Z. It don't get no better than that.
M.G.: Dedrick, I appreciate your time and wish you luck this week against Temple and beyond.
D.D.: Thanks Matt. I appreciate it.
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