Position: Safety/Defensive Specialist
School: West Florida
HT/WT: 6’2/205
X: yunng_rodd
Instagram: rod.ney1
Achievements: 2023 Special Teams MVP
Q: How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
A: Finishing my collegiate career at West Florida was something I never envisioned. Being highly recruited out of high school and starting off my collegiate career at the FBS Division 1 level, I was able to play along and against quote on quote “the best”. After playing two seasons at my previous university, I entered the transfer portal seeking a team that was constantly competitive. After having an abbreviated Covid Juco season, where I experienced limited exposure, I reached out to a coach who had previously reached out to me, and they were still eager to bring me along board.
Q: What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position?
A: My biggest advantage playing Safety compared to others is my keen ability to track the ball and make tackles.
Q: What does being a student of a game mean to you?
A: Being a student of the game means mastering your abilities to the highest level and helping establish your role. Whereas what you do and know, makes everyone around you better.
Q: How does being a DB reflect itself in your personal life?
A: On the field and off the field my personality traits are very different. My versatility allows me to be dominant at the safety position. This same versatility allows me to differentiate my on and off the field persona.
Q: How would you describe your work ethic?
A: My work ethic is tremendous. Starting from a young age putting in extra work has always been applied to my life skills. Going to practice early and leaving late or preparing for a spelling test with my pop on the way to school. My tremendous work ethic is showcased in all aspects of my life. This was predominantly shown after my 2019 season at New Mexico State, tearing my ACL and Meniscus in the second to last game of the year. With daily dedication I was running in 3 months after surgery, and fully cleared after only 5 months.
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
A: In all honestly, I learned football on this level is a business.
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: As of right now, I would say my biggest sports accomplishment would be going to USATF National Junior Olympics Track and Field Championships. Placing 2nd in the 4×100 relay and 3rd place in the long jump at the age of 9. This created the desire to be dominant and want more.
Q: How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
A: I heard about the National Scouting Combine through, Director of Player Personnel, Jay Wilson. I reached out to him via twitter and sent him my film and he invited me as a game invite.
Q: Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
A: I chose the National Scouting Combine because I realize in this industry it’s crucial to be seen by the right eyes and have someone to vouch for you as well. I know that’s what I have been missing.
Q: What do you hope to show people at the combine?
A: I’m prepared to show people my passion and understanding for the game.
Q: What was your Major?
A: My major is Mass Media and Communication.
Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
A: My positive impact on society would be to encourage the youth. I want them to see that they can accomplish any goal they have set with hard work and dedication. The message is urgent because the youth is the future.
Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
A: I believe that many people would find it interesting how I begin with the ending in mind and see the bigger picture. Often it is easier to stop pursing goals when trials are thrown our way. For me, it is best that I constantly seek opportunities that lead to improvement and aid to my growth as an athlete and student despite the tribulations that are thrown my way.
Q: If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
A: If I was to play another sport professionally it would be baseball.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?
A: I have volunteered in organized fundraisers, food drives, toy drives, etc, through my youth with nonprofit organizations. I’m currently enrolled in a Leadership Communication course at my university. We have a Fundraising/Donations Team and an Awareness/Education Team for Gulf Coast Kids House. Together, as a class, we help spread knowledge and support for Gulf Coast Kids House as they help provide service for victims of child abuse.
