Devin Hafford
Cornerback / Tarleton State

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

Devin Hafford:  5’11, 203 and 4.50 during my junior pro day. 

Alex Khvatov:  How were you preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Devin Hafford:  In January and February, we were with the team up until spring break.  I went home during spring break.  I have been training at home Monday through Friday.   

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your recovery process from the injury. 

Devin Hafford:  I got hurt the first game of the season.  I fractured my fibula.  It has been a grind.  I took it day by day.  I did every workout and treated it like a game.  I have been 100% since January. 

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Devin Hafford:  I actually ran track.  I ran the 400m, and the 4x400m relay.  We went to regionals my junior and senior year.  Track helped me get faster in football. 

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Devin Hafford:  I played cornerback, safety, kick returner and punt returner.   

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

Devin Hafford:  I had an offer from Northern Colorado, Northern Arizona and Tarleton State. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Tarleton State? 

Devin Hafford:  I was born and raised in Houston.  The other campuses out there were great, but it didn’t feel like home.  I wanted to stay home and be close to my family. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?      

Devin Hafford:  I started as a true freshman.  I got my first start in the third game of the season.  I earned the Iron Texan award all three years here.  It is given to a player that achieves excellence in the weight room.  I was an all-conference player my sophomore year.  During my junior season, I was a two-time All-American.  I won the DB of the year award in the conference.  I was also first team all-conference.  It feels great to be a part of an uprising at Tarleton.  We are building the foundation.  We were average before.  We are also making the move from D-II to D-I.  We will be an independent next year.  I am also a three-time captain.  I earned that my sophomore, junior and senior year.   

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Devin Hafford:  We are going to continue the winning atmosphere.  We have the hardest schedule this year.  We have won 23 out of the last 25 games.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Devin Hafford:  I am a very physical corner.  I move well for my size.  My versatility as well.  I can go from corner to free safety to a box safety.  I tackle well in the open field.   

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

Devin Hafford:  Get better with my lateral quickness and get better in off man coverage.  I play a lot of press man. 

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

Devin Hafford:  When we played Minnesota State-Mankato in a playoff game.  It was pouring and snowing.  I am from Houston.  It was not an ordinary day.  Playing in the snow was a memorable game.  It was a blizzard starting in the third quarter.  We had a 10-0 lead at halftime, but lost the game in the second half.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Devin Hafford:  Being able to control what you can control on the football field and in your life.  Also moving on to the next play.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Devin Hafford:  My grandfather was a big Cowboys fan.  My mom and dad like the Texans.  The 49ers have been my team.  I liked Frank Gore, Kaepernick, and Patrick Willis.  

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Devin Hafford:  My favorite player is CB Marlon Humphrey.  We have similar games.   

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

Devin Hafford:  Receiver #88 J.F. Thomas and MLB Ronnell Wilson.  They are both hard working guys.     

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like to face your former teammate WR Zimari Manning in practice every day?

Devin Hafford:  He is the toughest guy I faced.  Every day was a battle.  He made me better.  He was a very physical receiver and quick off the line.   

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

Devin Hafford:  QB Luis Perez from Texas A&M Commerce.  He got picked up as a free agent. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a CB?

Devin Hafford:  Your eyes.  You have to be very disciplined and read the keys.  You have to be patient with your technique. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Devin Hafford:  The competition aspect in practice and the atmosphere of the game.  The grind of the whole season. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Devin Hafford:  I am a big video gamer.  My friends from high school are big gamers, and we connect every day.   

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

Devin Hafford:  I will graduate in December in business management.  My mom works in the medical field.  I want to work on the business side in the medical field. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Devin Hafford:  Being able to relate with people not only in football, but in real life.  I am a leader on and off the field.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Devin Hafford:  Hardworking, leader, integrity, empathy, and achiever.