2021 National Scouting Combine Featured Athlete Dionte Ruffin, DB from Western Kentucky University

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Dionte Ruffin | Western Kentucky University | DB

Twitter: @not_worrieddd | Instagram: @geauxruffin

Q: Tell us about your college (or pro) career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like. Why did you choose (Western Kentucky University)?

A:  I attend Western Kentucky University, I chose this place because it  was a team who needed defensive leaders.  The recruiting process was straight forward I had a lot of interest from schools across the country even a big 10 Rutgers offer. I was committed to Troy but decided to change my commitment to WKU.

 

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A: Either making it to state 4 years straight in high school track or  my  biggest personal accomplishment is when I intercepted Zac Wilson breaking his streak for most consecutive passes without and interception . That was a great feeling but as a team my biggest accomplishment is winning a bowl game.

 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at (Western Kentucky University)?

A: The biggest lesson is don’t get too comfortable.  Always wait your turn, stay humble, and your time is coming.  If you are the starter, there is always someone out there working to take your spot.

 

Q: How was your career impacted due to the 2020 pandemic and what have you learned from the adversity?

A: my career was impacted just like everyone else across the country trying to play sports but in all I was fine because I’m a person who stays to themselves regardless of situation. I would get my test results back and be happy with them and go on with my daily work routine but taking the right precautions to ensure I’m healthy for the season.

  

Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?

A:  my major is (interdisciplinary studies with a Emphasis in Business). If football doesn’t work out I have aspirations of becoming a realtor and buy and renovate homes for families in need . Shelter is a very big part of a lot of peoples problems and I will be developing multiple shelters as well as individual homes for families.

 

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A:  I believe they would say, he’s a guy who leads by example . He’s one of the most genuinely Honest people. He will help you if your down, he is a natural athlete

 

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A:  Most memorable is when I Intercepted Zac Wilson Vs #10 BYU.  I  returned it to the 3 yard line to set up my teams first touchdown of the game . Also stopping his record of most consecutive passes without an interception . He was in the Heisman race so that’s a big one for me. Zac went 1-7 for 3 yards and a INT when targeting me . I had 3 PBUs    

 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A:  Coming from New Orleans Louisiana my biggest challenge is knowing the percentage of people who fail out of New Orleans and no one expects us to rise to the occasion but I’ll continue to rise and show the youth we can do it even when they rank us state 50 out of 50.

 

Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?

A:  I would compare myself to Marcus peters because of the ferociousness and swagger he plays with but also I compare myself to Logan Ryan due to him being such a technician In his work I love that about him.

The biggest lesson is don’t get too comfortable.  Always wait your turn, stay humble, and your time is coming.  If you are the starter, there is always someone out there working to take your spot.

~ Dionte Ruffin  

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A:  My speed, agility and athleticism as a whole.  I have a great closing burst and I jump with the elite.  I am a strong guy. My IQ of the game is up there, It got me on the field as a freshman.   I am a player that will give a coach my all.  All I need is a shot.  I have played special teams my whole career in high school and college.  I will do whatever it takes.  I am very coachable

 

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?

A:  Yes 3 of my 4 years being at Western Kentucky University I have been a mentor at Dishman McGinnis elementary. I love the youth and will help them in anyway I can.

 

Q: How are you preparing for the 2021 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?

A: I have a great training program I am following as of right now. My goals are to PR in every drill I can and to be as fluid as possible. I want to be Top 10 on their boards when it’s over with!

 

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

A: The ultimate achievement would be to give my family the best life ever and I’ll do whatever it takes to get that done. Football isn’t the only way to accomplish this achievement.

 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: Away from the field, I play with my dog, hang out with my lovely girlfriend, and play video games.  I like playing Call of Duty on PlayStation 5. In all I’m an introverted elite gamer in my free time.

 

Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A: Developing homes for those families in need but on the other hand of things.   I would give everyone an equal opportunity and then when some people make it to the top and some people don’t. They won’t have the excuse of “I didn’t have the chance”

 

 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A: My dad. My brother and my mom. Also, my cousins Ed Reed NFL hall of famer

 

 

Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

A: Something unique is my love for animals. I have a pet turtle and plan to expand my pets as I grow older because I Have this love for them.

 

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A:  My dream job is to be in the NFL and provide for my family. On the other side of things my dream job is owning a business (no type just yet) and building a team from the ground up why sending my team to different locations to complete missions as a team.

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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National Scouting Combine Posts

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Jarrod Cann
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“The National Scouting Combine was a great opportunity for me to get official test numbers and get my information out to teams and scouts to gain necessary exposure. It is always a big challenge for athletes to get official verified numbers but the National Scouting Combine gave me this opportunity. The entire staff works with the players to put them into the best position to succeed. They give players opportunities to promote themselves on and off the field. They have a setup to do all combine tests and to perform official position drills. The event also allows for players to gain useful contacts with teams and National Scouting Combine staff members to further promote themselves. The National Scouting Combine provided me with a chance to showcase my abilities as a free agent and put myself in a good position to have success in my pursuit to play professional football. I want thank the National Scouting Combine staff for giving players this unique chance to demonstrate their skills.”
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My experience at the National Scouting Combine was an extremely positive one. Coming from a small school (Bryant University – Division I AA), opportunities to showcase my athleticism and measurables to pro scouts were scarce. However, Jimmy and his team gave me that opportunity when they put together a first-class event, in an outstanding venue and invited hundreds of players that had been overlooked or just wanted the opportunity to showcase their abilities. The connections, advice and coaching I received at the 2018 National Scouting Combine were priceless, as many pro scouts and coaches began to get in contact with me during and immediately after the combine. Jimmy and his team did an outstanding job of incorporating new, cutting edge technologies into the combine, while inviting well-respected coaches, scouts and former professional players to run the drills and provide coaching. Jimmy provided me with a platform to chase my dream of playing professional football that I would not otherwise have had, and in turn is part of the reason why many CFL teams took interest in me, why I was invited to Rookie Minicamps with the Jets and Texans and why I have now signed with the Orlando Apollo’s of the new Alliance of American Football League. The invitation to the 2018 National Scouting Combine was a blessing to me and my career and I would recommend any and all small school or overlooked college football player to attend and take advantage of this combine that, with Jimmy leading it, will continue to get better every single year.
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