Dionte Ruffin / Cornerback / Western Kentucky
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Dionte Ruffin: Right now, I am 5’11, my weight range is between 185-190 and my last forty time was a 4.39. We were timed leading up to our junior season.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Dionte Ruffin: I played basketball and ran track. I played basketball for three years and did track all four years. I was a sprinter and a high jumper. I went to state as a high jumper and placed in the top 10. I ran 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Dionte Ruffin: I played kick returner, punt returner, cornerback, safety and wide receiver. Junior year, I also played punter. I have a pretty good leg, and we were down punters.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Dionte Ruffin: Out of high school, Georgia State was my first offer. I had lots of Sun Belt schools. Troy, Georgia Southern, Marshall, and Western Kentucky. I also had a Big 10 offer from Rutgers.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Western Kentucky?
Dionte Ruffin: The signing day was on February 2nd. I committed to Troy to play football and continue my education there. Then I de-committed. I got in touch with the new staff at Western Kentucky, and they said that they would uphold my scholarship.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Dionte Ruffin: I played since my freshman year. I played in 11 or 12 games on special teams. I also spent some time at cornerback. I had three tackles in the bowl game. We lost in the bowl game to Georgia State my freshman year. We went 6-6 that year. Sophomore year, I had 28 total tackles, 24 solo and played in all 12 games. I made PFF college team of the week. I was a backup. Junior year, I stepped up and started all 13 games. I had 25 tackles, and had two forced fumbles in critical situations that led to us winning games. We had a great year. We went 9-4 and won the bowl game against Western Michigan. I made PFF college team of the week. During my career, I had 25 pass breakups, 78 tackles with one INT, and two forced fumbles.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your senior year?
Dionte Ruffin: This year was unique. We had a short camp leading up to the season. Lots of players got knocked out due to the virus. We were tested three times a week. We stayed dedicated, and it was all good. We started the season slow. We were 2-5 to start the season. Then we turned it on. We got into the bowl game and were defeated by Georgia State. I helped the team and developed as a leader. I recorded one INT, recovered a fumble, blocked a FG, 23 tackles and 12 PBU’s. I was named to PFF national team of the week. I was named to the all-conference second team in 2020.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to enter the 2021 NFL Draft?
Dionte Ruffin: I talked a lot with my family. It was a big decision. I felt like I have the capability to help an NFL team as a cornerback and on special teams. It will all work out.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the draft?
Dionte Ruffin: As of right now, I am attacking these classes. I am graduating in May. I will be taking online classes. I am currently training at Western Kentucky. But I have been in touch with Ryan Clark. He runs DB Precision, right outside of Baton Rouge. I plan to travel there and work out with him.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Dionte Ruffin: I believe my speed, agility and athleticism as a whole. I have a good closing burst and I jump well. I am a strong guy. My IQ of the game is up there. It got me on the field as a freshman.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Dionte Ruffin: I am always getting better in the footwork aspect and hand placement. I need to flip my hips better. I also need to work on explosion.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Dionte Ruffin: The highlight for me was the punch out that I had centimeters away from the end zone against Quez Watkins. He ran a slant route, and I punched the ball out from him. My teammate scooped it up. That fumble changed our season. We got better throughout the season. Against Watkins, it is the only catch I gave up. I had three PBU’s that game, and we won the game.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Dionte Ruffin: The biggest lesson is don’t get too comfortable. Always wait your turn, stay humble, and your time is coming. If you are the starter, there is always someone out there working to take your spot.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Dionte Ruffin: Saints.
Alex Khvatov: How do you think the Saints will do in the playoffs?
Dionte Ruffin: We should be good. We got the Bears this weekend. Everything will click like it should. Brees will get it done. It is his last year. The Saints should win the Super Bowl, and Brees will ride off into the sunset.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Dionte Ruffin: I like to watch Xavien Howard. He is a technician. Marcus Peters is good. But I believe that Alvin Kamara is the best player in the NFL, and he is my favorite player.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Dionte Ruffin: Keep an eye out for my roommate Mike LB Kyle Bailey. He has done a lot for this program. He has entered the transfer portal. Safety Antwon Kincade and DE DeAngelo Malone, but I am not sure if he comes back.
Alex Khvatov: I noticed that a handful of Western Kentucky players are in the transfer portal right now. Why is that?
Dionte Ruffin: I just feel that people are looking for more satisfaction on the field and in the classroom. They are looking for a better situation for themselves.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Dionte Ruffin: I would have to give it to Jonathan Taylor. He was a good RB. He was big and he was not going down on first contact. We played against Wisconsin the first game during my sophomore year.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Dionte Ruffin: Having a short memory. People are going to make plays on you. But you have to understand that the next play will be your yours.
Alex Khvatov: What is it like playing the CB position?
Dionte Ruffin: It is an unorthodox position. You have to mirror someone who is going full speed, and you going backwards. Not many people are physically gifted or mentally strong enough to play this position. It is a very tough position. Not everyone can play it.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Dionte Ruffin: I like experiencing the ups and downs because adversity makes you stronger. I have been through some things and I have overcome them.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Dionte Ruffin: Away from the field, I play with my dogs, hang out with my girlfriend, and play video games. I like playing Call of Duty on PlayStation.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Dionte Ruffin: I really want to become a realtor. I want to build and renovate homes. I also want to help others. I want to give back and help people in need.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Dionte Ruffin: I have been through a lot and I am proud of where I am today. I grew up right outside of New Orleans. I have experienced some tough times. I have molded myself into a good man.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Dionte Ruffin: Determined, introverted, caring, leader, and passionate.
Alex Khvatov: Why should an NFL team draft you?
Dionte Ruffin: I am a player that will give a coach my all. All I need is a shot. I have played special teams my whole career in high school and college. I will do whatever it takes. I am very coachable.
