J.R. Glymph: So, what are your measurables looking like now?...Height, weight, forty time.

Darrell Givens: Right now, I’m 6-1, 174.  I tested in the forty a couple of weeks ago and ran a 4.42.
 

J.R. Glymph: What were the things that made you choose Penn State over your other top schools?

Darrell Givens: My dad and I liked the fact that it was a family oriented program.  Penn State is a place where I can get a quality education.
 

J.R. Glymph: Did Coach Paterno’s age and health come into play as you made your decision?

Darrell Givens: No, not at all.  He ensured us that he wasn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.  If you see if him practice, he’s impressive.  That didn’t worry me at all.

J.R. Glymph: What are you planning to major in and what do you see yourself doing many years from now when your football days are over?

Darrell Givens: I’ll be majoring in Sports Marketing.  I want to always be involved in sports.  Whether I’m a sports agent, a general manager or whatever…I want to have a job in the sports field.

J.R. Glymph: What’s going to be going through your mind when you put on that blue and white uniform before your first game?

Darrell Givens: Man, when I put on that uniform for the first time it’s going to be great.  I know my first game is against Akron, so I’m looking forward to it.  That’s a moment I want to remember for the rest of my life.

J.R. Glymph: Who are you favorite defensive backs to watch play and do you model your game after?

Darrell Givens: My favorite is DeAngelo Hall.  I like to watch him play and model my game after his.  I like the way he goes after the ball.  His ball skills are great and he goes hard.  I also like the way he plays the run.  He’s not afraid to come help out in run support.

J.R. Glymph: What are your strengths as a player?

Darrell Givens: I definitely think it’s my height.  I’m taller than I lot of the receivers I cover.

J.R. Glymph: What are some of the things you want to improve upon?

Darrell Givens: The thing I want to improve on most is my technique.  

J.R. Glymph: Who’s the one receiver you’d most hate to be manned up with, one on one, with the game on the line?

Darrell Givens: On any level?  Randy Moss, definitely.  He’s so athletic and he can jump through the roof.  Yeah, it would have to be Moss.

J.R. Glymph: Are cornerbacks born or are they made?

Darrell Givens: I would have to say both.  Some people are born to be corners.  I never played cornerback until I got to high school.  I was always a linebacker.  My coach told me he was going to play me at cornerback.  So, I had to learn a lot of things I’d never done.  So, I’d have to say both.  Corners are born and made.
 

J.R. Glymph: What are the most important characteristics for a CB?

Darrell Givens: Physically, of course you have to have the feet and speed helps.  But, mentally, intelligence is a must.  And you have to be strong mentally to be a corner.

J.R. Glymph: In this age of the big receiver, how big of an asset is your height?

Darrell Givens:  Yeah, in this age of the big wideout, my height helps a lot.  When you have these guys who are 6-4, 6-5 with long arms, it really helps that I can jump just as high as they can and my arms are just as long.

J.R. Glymph: Do you think the penalties against defensive players, as far as hits and protecting offensive players, are getting out of hand?

Darrell Givens: Oh, yes.  Definitely.  Every time a receiver takes a hard hit or gets hurt they throw a flag.  I don’t like the direction it’s heading in, you know.  It’s football.

J.R. Glymph: What are your general thoughts on the BCS and do you think there should be a playoff system in place?

Darrell Givens: Oh, no doubt, there should be a playoff.  As a player you always want to know that you’ve earned your championship on the field.

J.R. Glymph: What people have had the biggest positive influence in your life thus far?

Darrell Givens: My father and my grandfather without a doubt.  They’ve done a great job of raising me.  I don’t know where I’d be, right now, if it weren’t for them. 

J.R. Glymph: So, fast forward to the 2012 NFL Draft.  You hear your name called early in round one.  What team does Roger Goodell announce has selected Darrell Givens?

Darrell Givens: Either the Atlanta Falcons or the Washington Redskins.

J.R. Glymph: Ok.  Thanks Darrell.  All the best to you in the future and I look forward to following you career.