2021 National Scouting Combine Featured Athlete, Dayo Idowu, LB from University of North Dakota

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Dayo Idowu | University of North Dakota | LB, DL, DB 

Twitter: @dayoids_31 | Instagramr: @dayo.idowu

Dayo Idowu – LB – University of North Dakota

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

A: Pro: I was constantly reaching out to teams using LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms. I also attended the Total Athlete Combine at the Athletes in Action headquarters in Xenia, OH. After the combine, I was introduced to a marketing company who sent my film to the GB Blizzard and a host of other leagues. Promoting myself is has been what I spend majority of my time on when not training. It is the other part of the grind required to catch my dream.

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

A: Being a recipient of the AFCA Good Works Team – the most esteemed off the field honor, for my service in the community. It shows not only my commitment to my team, but my community also.

 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at North Dakota?

A: I learned how to fall in love with the process and not let big moments overwhelm me. The difference is in the little things no matter the moment. A great process will lead to a great product!!

 

 

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

A: I made the opening day roster for the GB Blizzard, but our season was canceled due to COVID. I learned there are things I cannot totally control. How I respond makes all the difference. I responded by staying ready and getting prepared for this upcoming combine.

 

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

A: Chemical Engineering. I chose it to help develop problem solving skills that will help me in many different areas. After football, I plan to serve the community and those coming after me by teaching, coaching, and giving them what I wish I had growing up.

 

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

A: Strong work ethic, attention to detail, student of the game, great leadership, relentless competitor, servant to my community

 

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

A: My junior year of college, I made TD saving tackle on 4th down in OT to win on Homecoming. First HC victory in a few years.

 

I learned how to fall in love with the process and not let big moments overwhelm me. The difference is in the little things no matter the moment. A great process will lead to a great product!!

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

A: My biggest challenge is having to have a job while pursuing my NFL dreams. I plan out my day to the hour to make sure I can fit everything in.

 

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

A: I compare myself to Larry Allen. O-Lineman do the dirty work and never get any glory. He did his job to the best of his ability and did it because he loved the game. I am very versatile and will play whatever role is needed to help the team succeed. It’s not about glory or press but the opportunity to play this game.

 

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

A: Competitive drive and attention to detail. I compete in practice, I compete in games, I compete in the film room, I am always competing. I want to make not only myself better, but EVERYONE around me. Not just on the field but off the field also. I do not have much time to play this game so I will give it I have while I can.

 

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

A: Very much so. I am involved with Jack & Jill MN, Egbe Omo Oduduwa (Nigerian Mentorship program), Youth Council at Progressive Baptist Church, and coaching youth and HS football.

 

 

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

A: I train at a premier training facility with my trainer, Bill Welle, who has worked with multiple first round draft picks. I have also been breaking down film and doing the important things off the field. I am very careful what I put into my body, that includes my mouth and mind. My goal is to be on an NFL roster.

 

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

A: Super Bowl Champion

 

 

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

A: Hanging with friends, mentoring youth, traveling, reading

 

 

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

A: Sharing the gospel. My faith has shaped me into the man I am and I believe everyone should at least be told about the good news of Christ!

 

 

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

A: I have too many mentors to name. My parents are Nigerian immigrants and came to the states with nothing. They worked tirelessly for everything they have. They showed me with hard work, anything is possible.

 

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

A: I can speak my parent’s native language, Yoruba.

 

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: NFL since I was a child

2024 National Scouting Combine

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National Scouting Combine Posts

“I would like to start this message by thanking you and everyone involved who made this opportunity possible. I am truly grateful for the experience and atmosphere you’ve cultivated through the National Scouting Combine. My journey has not been an easy one by any means. Losing my mother in 2017 to cancer, losing the house my brothers and I called home before attending this very event in 2018, and completely bombing the event left me completely shot mentally. This event that just took place gave me the motivation and hope for better days. That is exactly what has been provided to me. Opportunities I never considered have presented themselves to me with each passing day. WWE contract offers, Rugby offers, and NFL scout inquiries about what kind of man Jarrod Cann is, are just the first of many opportunities that were made real through my participation in your event! Thank you for allowing me to tell my story on such a platform and allowing me to save lives with my story.”
Jarrod Cann
Jarrod CannRB, Central Connecticut State
“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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Dillon Salva
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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.
Matt Sewell
Matt SewellWR, Bryant University
“My testimonial would be because of COVID-19, it has hindered my ability to showcase my talents at pro days, workouts, and tryouts. But, because of the NSC I can still send official numbers and video to each team, while also gaining the opportunity to meet scouts in face and build a relationship with them. Lastly, the NSC is second only to the NFL combine which helps me have something else to hang my hat on as one of the top performers!”
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“Thank you for the support and helping with promoting me for the next level. I am most definitely interested and my experience at the national scouting combine was incredible. It was my first official opportunity and it was a professional combine. All verified, legitimate laser times and numbers are vital to have especially in the times we are facing today. All of the coaches and personnel involved were professional in every aspect. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to be apart of the national scouting combine and I can’t be more grateful to have verified numbers.”
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