MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football cornerback Darian Mills recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what other defensive backs he tries to emulate, what he feels is the most important tool for a successful cornerback to have and what's key for the Jaguar defense this weekend versus Louisiana, among other things.
Mills, a senior from Winter Haven, Fla.., has been a member of the Jaguar program since the 2014. As a junior, Mills started every contest and made the move to the boundary corner three games into the season. In addition to his 36 tackles a year ago, he set the school season record with 13 passes broken up and ranked sixth in the Sun Belt with 1.08 passes defended per game. This season, Mills as 16 total tackles and has been credited with eight passes defended. Heading into Saturday's game at Louisiana, Mills is one PBU shy of tying Jeremy Reaves' program mark of 22.
Last season, you moved into a starting role on defense and set a school season record with 13 pass break ups. What did you do differently during the offseason heading into last fall that helped you reach those goals in your first season as a starter?
"I studied the game more. I also took notes on people in the NFL that I looked up to like Richard Sherman [San Francisco 49er's] and Casey Hayward [Los Angeles Chargers] among others. I've tried to take away some of the things they do out on the field. I also approached the offseason differently. I had put in the work in the past, but I had always felt like I could've done more from a preparation standpoint. Last offseason, I really tried to exemplify what hard work was."
You mentioned that you have tried to take some things away from some other defensive players. What sort of things have you taken from them and implemented in your own game?
"Richard Sherman is a student of the game. He talks a lot about watching film and how it helps him anticipate certain routes that are going to be ran by receivers. I wanted to be able to take away the way he goes about studying film and recognizes formations, and add that to my own game. That has really helped me out a lot on the field."
As a cornerback, what would you say is one of the most important skills a defensive back needs to have in order to be successful?
"Have a short-term memory. You are out there on an island and you are going to give up some balls, but you can't get down on yourself. You have to come back the next play and have a short-term memory. If you get down on yourself out there, it's going to be a long night for you."
How have you improved since last year? What were some areas you wanted to focus on improving during the offseason?
"I wanted to be able to actually catch some of the balls [for interceptions] instead of them being pass break ups. I also wanted to work on my tackling and being more urgent in getting to the ball."
What goals did you set for yourself coming into this season?
"This year my main goal was to treat every game the same, trust in the process and let God's will be."
With two games remaining in the season, how do you want to close out your Jaguar career?
"I'm close to the pass break up record so I would like to get that, but I would also l like for us to win our final two games and set so momentum for next year's team."
What type of leadership role have you tried to take this season being a senior on the team?
"I'm not really an out-spoken type of person. I try to lead by example. Off the field, I'm always encouraging guys to do the right thing, not only with football. I'm always talking with the guys and trying to connect with them and build a relationship. I feel that the guys trust me out on the field."
What would you say is your biggest memory that you will take away from your time here at South Alabama?
"Before my junior season, I had about an hour-long conversation with Jeremey Reaves. He told me a lot of inspirational things that have helped me both out on the field and as a person. That is one of my biggest memories."
What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"Possibly get into coaching. Even though I'm not that out-spoken, I'm a people person and I love to motivate and help others."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I just like to relax. I'm a chill type of guy. I like to watch Netflix and play some video games every now and then."
Heading into the game this week against a good offensive team in Louisiana, what do you feel are some challenges the defense faces versus the Ragin' Cajuns?
"They have three good running backs that I believe are all over 400 yards. We've been pretty good against the run this season. Going against three backs like they have will be a good challenge for us. I feel we are up for it though."
What do you feel is one key for the defense this weekend in order to be successful?
"Eliminate the big plays. We need to play a full four quarters. Throughout the season, there have been games where we haven't played well in the first half and had a great second half, or the reverse. We just need to be consistent and establish ourselves from the start."
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"I would say my cousin, Desroy Black. Back home is a bad place to be. He took me under his wing. As I got older and was starting to find myself, he took me under his wing and taught me about respect and morals, along with a lot of other things."
What other sports besides football did you play either growing up or in high school?
"Growing up, I played baseball and ran track. I also played recreational basketball, but never organized. In high school, I went out for baseball, but the ball was coming a little faster than I wanted it to, so I decided that I didn't want to play it anymore. I ran track in high school."
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