Football in Alabama is a big deal. The state is home to the defending national champion Crimson Tide. A major reason for that success is their access to a hotbed of talent in the area. One such standout is Auburn High (AL) defensive end Darian Yancey.
The 6'0 213 pound pass rusher has been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks throughout his football career. Yancey had 7.5 sacks last season for the Tigers. The 2014 recruit recently landed an offer from South Alabama.
In addition to the South Alabama offer, Yancey has received interest from several major SEC programs.
Darian Yancey (DE/2014) Junior Highlights
Most recently, Darian Yancey made the list of 25 standout performers and was named to the Atlanta SPARQ All-Combine team at the Nike Football Camp in Atlanta where over 1,700 athletes attended.
Yancey was joined on the All-Combine team by fellow Auburn HS teammates Rashaan Evans and Blaise Taylor, who both have offers from major programs.
CLA had the opportunity to catch up with Darian to get his thoughts on the recent offer, camp experience and outlook for the upcoming season.
"I was on my way to weight training with the football team and my coach told me to come make a phone call. Coach Vincent talked to me and he offered me a full scholarship. It felt real amazing. That first scholarship it comes when you least expect it," Yancey told CLA Sports.
Yancey's tireless work ethic and drive for greatness should land him many more offers in the near future.
"I'm the kid who never gives up. Even if I have 20 offers or no offers. Keep pushing, have no limit. I live in Auburn, so I've talked to them quite a bit. I've talked to Alabama, LSU, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Southern Miss. Yale and Harvard have sent letters."
Academics is important to Yancey and will play a key role in his decision.
"I want to major in something that has to do with sports medicine because I want to be an athletic trainer. I work as hard as I can work. I have a 3.3 GPA. I will be done in December, so I'll graduate early next year," said Yancey.
Yancey plans to enroll early and get to work.
"I talked to Georgia State and Southern Miss about it and they like that idea. Practicing with the team early and getting a head start," said Yancey.
The Tigers should be loaded next season and primed for a championship run after falling to rival Opelika 8-7 in the Alabama state playoffs last year.
"We just lost a couple of seniors. We're never really worried because we know we're going to practice hard. We were 13-2, we went to the third round and played our rivals. It was a really close game, one of the most intense games I've ever played in. The score was 7-2 and they scored a touchdown at the very last minute of the game. We have a speaker in our weight room and on it says 8-7," said Yancey.
Yancey shined at the NFTC in Atlanta where he made the All-Combine team.
"I ran a 4.7 and a 32 inch vertical. I ran my shuttle in 4.25. My primary position right now in high school is defensive end. If they want to see me at outside linebacker, I'm fine. I'm never afraid and always ready to perform" said Yancey.
CLA expects Yancey to have a special senior campaign and reel in many offers from around the country. We wish Darian and the Tigers the best this season and look forward to watching him excel at the next level in 2014.
