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Reid Harrison-Ducros | Duquesne University | DB
Twitter: @rducros27 | Instagram: @reidhd5
Q: Tell us about your college (or pro) career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like?
A: Coming out of high school in Texas is a lot harder than in other places because Texas is so big as well as everyone plays football down here. With that being said, the recruiting process was not as difficult on me as others. I committed to Boise State the summer before my senior year and had a handful of offers that ranged from Utah State to Yale. I chose Boise State because it was the best football school out of my offers as well as those coaches consistently played DBs that were my build. Once I signed, the DC and CB coach left for other schools and the LB coach became the DC. I played my true freshman year at Boise State on special teams and sometimes at the end of blowout games. My sophomore season, I started the first 4 games against Troy, Washington State, New Mexico and Virginia and did really well. In fact I was named the highest rated player going into that Virginia game via PFF. But, midway through that Virginia game I had a mild injury and the staff held me out the remainder of the game. From that point on, I didn’t play a meaningful snap for the rest of my time there. The reason for it was that the DC just preferred bigger and thicker bodied CBs out there. So after trying to work my way back on the field each week and nothing changing, I decided to transfer. When I left Boise State, the plan was to go to Baylor but it fell through. Duquense offered me a full scholarship first, then University of Texas said they would get me a scholarship the following spring, and University of Oklahoma offered me a preferred walk-on spot. I ended up choosing Duquense because they offered me a full scholarship and I didn’t want my parents paying for my college education. At Duquense I did extremely well. My first season, I was a starter and had 5 PBUs, 1 Forced Fumble, I didn’t give up any touchdowns in man-to-man coverage, I only allowed 2 catches over 15 yards the entire season. My senior season, I had 4 INTs, 6 PBUs, I didn’t give up any touchdowns in man-to-man coverage again, and I only allowed 1 catch over 15 yards the entire season. After the season I was named 1st Team All NEC as well as named an FCS 2nd Team All-American via FreeAgentFootball
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far team wise was winning the NEC Championship in 2018 and making it to the second round of the playoffs, which is farther than any other Duquesne football team has been. Individually, it was being able to lockdown a side of the field for both years I was at Duquense. My entire senior season I finished with a Passer Rating of 9.48.
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at Duquesne?
A: While playing at Duquense, the most important thing I learned was that no matter the circumstances, there’s always a way to prevail through it. The motto at Duquense is “Dukes Adjust”, meaning that even if things don’t go as planned, we will find a way to succeed and keep pushing forward.
Q: How was your career impacted due to the 2020 pandemic and what have you learned from the adversity?
A: Covid-19 cancelled a lot of opportunities for me. From being invited to the NFL Regional Combine and it getting cancelled, to my school’s pro day being cancelled, to having interest from both XFL and CFL teams to then their seasons being cancelled, it was unfortunate. But, through this adversity it’s made me train that much harder. My parents have always told me no matter what, just control what I can control and things will work out. So even though my opportunities last year didn’t pan out, I haven’t lost any confidence in my ability to not only compete, but do well at the professional level.
Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?
A: I majored in communications and then minored in general business. If I had to think about plans after football, I’d say I want to be an entrepreneur. I currently have a part time job, but I train both adults and high school kids, I both invest and trade in the stock markets, I am going to start getting into Air BnB’s, etc.
Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?
A: My teammates would say that I’m a selfless leader, someone who relates to everybody, and continually sets the bar to be great day in and day out.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?
A: The most memorable play would have to be my interception in our last game against Central Connecticut State in the 2019 season. I did a 180 flip backwards, bounced off my shoulders, landed sitting down and still held onto the ball. In the moment it didn’t feel as acrobatic as it looks watching it on film.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?
A: My biggest challenge has been this pandemic. With opportunities being erased and having no real guidance on how to proceed because nobody has ever been in circumstances like this is difficult. I’ve managed it by really becoming more grounded in my faith. Believing that God’s timing is always the right timing and my time of public revealing is coming sooner than later.
Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?
A: Chris Harris Jr. I’ve been watching him for years because he’s been consistently dominant, he’s the same build as I am and has excelled at both CB and Nickel, which is what I’m projected as.
Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?
A: My quickness, my technique, and my knowledge of the game. My quickness because WRs routes are getting more dynamic so you have to have that athletic quickness to adjust (my fastest 3-cone recorded is 3.86 and my fastest L-drill recorded is a 6.33). Technique because I’ve been working on it since the 6th grade and am obsessed with trying to perfect my craft. My knowledge of the game because I watch hours on end of film and truly enjoy being a student of the game.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?
A: Not to one charity directly, but I have donated money to ocean clean ups, Amazon rainforest help and the wildfires in Australia. I am also a part of the National Communications Honor Society (LPE) which is involved with various community service events/ activities.
Q: How are you preparing for the 2021 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?
A: I am currently training with Donald Driver’s ‘Driven Elite’ facility in the DFW area at least 3 times a week and doing separate stuff outside of the gym. My goals for the National Scouting Combine are to dominate and to earn a contract.
Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?
A: The ultimate goal is to get that one opportunity with a team. Once I get that I have no doubt that I will make the team. I’m ready to do anything for the team from CB to anywhere on special teams to even holding for extra points.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?
A: I enjoy hanging out with friends and learning. I’m always looking for new ways to improve myself mentally, physically, financially,etc. I love figuring out how to get that extra edge in all areas.
Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
A: I’d spread the message that if you can change your mind, you can change your reality. The greatest people in the world have come from all different types of backgrounds and circumstances, but the one thing in common they all have had is that they worked hard and they believed they could be great before they were. If everyone could realize that a lot more people would be successful in their own way.
Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
A: My parents. Seeing where they came from and the life that they’ve given me since I was little, that showed me that anything is possible that you work towards.
Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
A: I took roughly 6years of Spanish throughout my life.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: To play in the NFL. No doubt.
