DeAndre Farris
Cornerback
Western Kentucky
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
DeAndre Farris: I am estimating that I should run in the mid 4.4’s – low 4.5’s. I am 5’9 ½ and 195. I gained more muscle and cut fat.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
DeAndre Farris: With Corey Taylor at Louisville, Kentucky.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your daily training routine right now.
DeAndre Farris: I train twice a day. I come in every day at 8:30 in the morning. We work on our movement skills. 40 starts, 5-10-5, L-drill and explosive things. In the afternoon, we lift weights. Upper body some days and lower body some days. Wednesday is our recovery day. We are getting a morning massage and then yoga. One workout on Saturday, it is either treadmill or pool. We also have an intense treadmill session on Tuesday.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
DeAndre Farris: March 21st.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
DeAndre Farris: I had offers from Western Kentucky, Colorado State, Boise State and Toledo.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Western Kentucky?
DeAndre Farris: My father influenced me and pushed me to go there. I fell in love with it. It was a good football atmosphere. Coach Brohm was the most straightforward coach that I talked to. He told me that I can be a playmaker, but it is all on me to get it done. He was honest. My family were big Louisville Cardinal fans. When Bobby Petrino got the job at Western Kentucky, it swayed my decision. I knew that he would leave eventually, but coach Brohm would stay. My dad wanted to see me play. The school is only a two-hour drive from home.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
DeAndre Farris: I provide great body on body coverage. I am always in great position. I have great feet and loose hips. I am a very smart player. I am always in the film room. I recognize formations, understand route concepts and anticipate what receivers will run. I am a technician.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
DeAndre Farris: Attacking the ball downfield. I came to college as a receiver. It took me awhile to get on the field. I need to finish plays and come up with picks. I had a lot of pass breakups during my career.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
DeAndre Farris: Spring ball, they switched me to safety before my freshman year. As a redshirt freshman, they switched me to CB. I started on special teams. I pulled my hamstring twice my redshirt sophomore year. I was expected to start, but I missed fall camp. I missed my turn because of an injury. I started every game the last two years. I finished with three picks, 23 or 24 PBU’s and 70 or 80 tackles in two years. My first year, we won the Bahamas Bowl. My redshirt freshman year, we won C-USA title by beating Southern Miss. We beat USF in the bowl game. My redshirt sophomore year, we beat LA Tech for C-USA title. We beat Memphis in the Boca Raton Bowl. Then coach Brohm left to Purdue. Our program went down the last two years. We struggled to put points on the board.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
DeAndre Farris: Becoming a team captain my senior year. I look back and realize how much I have grown. It is a privilege to be a team captain.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
DeAndre Farris: One thing I learned is that you earn the right to be treated a certain way. You earn that right to be treated in a different way if you carry yourself well on and off the field, make plays, contribute to the team and perform in the classroom.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
DeAndre Farris: Brent Grimes. Teams like taller guys now. But he is a great DB. He is a student of the game.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
DeAndre Farris: Having body on body coverage and getting the ball out. You can have great coverage, but if can’t get the ball out, the receiver will make the catch.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
DeAndre Farris: I look at how they line up, splits and formations. I get to know my opponent ahead of time. During film sessions, I look at what the receiver likes to do and what he does come out of his breaks.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
DeAndre Farris: DT Jaylon George blew up this year. He is a productive player for us. Devon Key will be a redshirt Jr next season. He is really good at FS. Ta’Corian Darden is a nickel corner. He is also a good player.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
DeAndre Farris: Two players. WR Tyre Brady from Marshall. He was at the Senior Bowl. FAU RB Devin Singletary.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
DeAndre Farris: My father. He lived a totally different life when he was younger. He lives for Christ now. He grinds and lives life with a purpose. He turned his whole life around.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
DeAndre Farris: I love putting on the pads. I have been doing it since I have been five or six years old. I love competing. I love winning. We didn’t get enough wins these past two years.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the College Gridiron Showcase?
DeAndre Farris: It was a great time. I competed against some very good talent. There were a lot of scouts there. It was a great opportunity.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you took away from that all-star game?
DeAndre Farris: NFL is definitely a business. I knew that, but I still learned about the ins and outs at CGS. It is a cutthroat business.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
DeAndre Farris: Someone who leads by example. You have to stay strong through adversity. You have to rally the troops. You don’t have to be a vocal guy, but you have to perform when needed.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
DeAndre Farris: I am able to build relationships with other people. I am very accountable. When the coach is relying on me, I will get the job done.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
DeAndre Farris: Hanging out with friends and reading. I am a spiritual person. I also like to go to the movies.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
DeAndre Farris: I want to be a football coach. Coach Sanford offered me a graduate assistant spot at Western Kentucky when I am done playing. I love the game. I want to be around it.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
DeAndre Farris: Consistent, passionate, hardworking, dedicated and reliable.
