Dante Ogburn
Offensive Lineman / Lane College

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Dante Ogburn:  Height: 6’2, weight: 300 pounds and forty: 5.1. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL.

Dante Ogburn:  My experience was amazing, and just getting the opportunity to compete in front of numerous scouts was a dream come true.  The event was well organized and gave small school guys like myself the chance to play football and have blast doing so.  The coaches were great, and I learned a lot over the three days I was there.

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Dante Ogburn: I had zero interest out of high school, so I decided to go the junior college route.

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Lane College?

Dante Ogburn:  One of my former teammates from my junior college actually told me about Lane, and they offered him a scholarship.  So, I looked into their football program, and my teammate put in a good word for me.  Coach Patterson, the offensive line coach reached out and offered me.  I didn’t know too much about the school, but knowing that my teammate from juco was going there, and I had a prior relationship with coach Patterson from a prior school he coached at. So, I was super comfortable being coached by him and also playing with my former teammate.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Dante Ogburn:  My run blocking is one of my strong suites and getting out in space to make blocks.  Also, my versatility to play multiple positions along the line as well.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Dante Ogburn:  I always try to work on my technique since I’m not the biggest guy or strongest.  Technique can take your game far especially when you lack in other areas of the game.

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

Dante Ogburn:  My overall career has been an uphill battle.  I had to work and grind for everything up to this point.  Nothing was very easy for me or handed to me that’s just the way I came up in this football game.  The lessons I learned growing up contributed to my work ethic and my way of life.  I love the process and the rewards that come with it.  Overall, I’m happy with my career and have so much more to improve my career.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Dante Ogburn:  My highlight is knowing all the hard work I put in over the years to be in the position I am today.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Dante Ogburn:  My biggest accomplishment in college is coming soon and that’s getting my degree.  It’s been a long time coming and being one of the first in my family to get a degree will be special.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL?

Dante Ogburn:  The most important trait to me as an offensive lineman is toughness.  Being on the line as an OL, you have to be willing to fight every snap, be aggressive and be a dog.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Dante Ogburn:  Carolina Panthers

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Dante Ogburn:  My favorite NFL player is Trai Turner, right guard for the Carolina Panthers.

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?

Dante Ogburn:  I like to see what type of front there in and coverage they’re in.  That helps me know if an extra rusher is coming or how many guys the team will drop in coverage.

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Dante Ogburn:  We have a ton of players who are going to make a big impact next year like Anthony Evelyn, our do it all wide receiver.  Taviauhn Turner, our left guard is a mauler in the run game and our center, Qua might be the best center in the country this upcoming season.  Those are just a few players, but we have a lot more.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Dante Ogburn:  To be honest, I can’t remember facing a player that just dominated or got the best of me on an opposing team, but Christopher Roberts from Kentucky State was a great match up for me.  He’s a big, physical nose tackle who is powerful and just takes up a lot of space in the run game.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Dante Ogburn:  I enjoy the opportunity to grind for a goal that’s obtainable, but takes hard work to obtain. Football also allows me to test my skills against top competition week in and week out.  Traveling places all over the world and just the bonds you create outside the field.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Dante Ogburn:  My definition of a leader is a person who leads without saying a lot, but shows you by example and gives the credit to others that played their role rather than a self-centered behavior.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Dante Ogburn:  My hobbies consist of watching film, movies, interviews, music, and working out.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Dante Ogburn:  Life after football, I plan on being a life coach or start a charity to help out less fortunate kids.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Dante Ogburn:  Adventurous, coachable, competitive, leader, and reliable.