Top Safety Prospect Devin Speed talks to the Media

[King]

1) What coverage scheme do you feel you thrive in? (Cover 1, Cover 2, Tampa-2, quarter-quarter-half, etc)
2) How do you prepare when you are facing a QB that you know has the talent to look you off to the wrong side of the field?
3) If the QB figures out the defensive play pre-snap and audibles a TE into your coverage, how do you change your playstyle to accommodate the much larger target?
4) Which of your attributes do you feel to be your biggest strength? Your biggest weakness?
5) Where else on the defense would you like an elite player to best compliment you?

1. What coverage scheme do you feel you thrive in? (Cover 1, Cover 2, Tampa-2, quarter-quarter-half, etc)

Great Question, because of my speed and ability to break on the ball, a Cover-1 defensive scheme is always one of my favorites. The ability to have space on the field and a responsibility to cover anything deep is one of the things i'm great at. It's also nice to know the DC trusts in you to make a play when in Cover-1

2. How do you prepare when you are facing a QB that you know has the talent to look you off to the wrong side of the field?

This is one of those things that are mainly instinctual. The QB is not the only one that can trick with their eyes and body language. I am also doing my best to make sure that i'm not revealing too much about where I will be or what I am doing. My ability to change direction and accelerate also allows for me to be able to break on the ball on the off chance that the QB does look me off on the opposite side of the field.

3. If the QB figures out the defensive play pre-snap and audibles a TE into your coverage, how do you change your playstyle to accommodate the much larger target?

Depending on the coverage, personnel, and play, it comes down to whether or not I have a SS back there with me. Although it may not be my duty to be a run-stopper or TE stopper, I never back down from the opportunity to show a TE just how hard I can actually hit... and if he doesn't have the ball when I meet him, then to me, it's just an easier opportunity to break up the pass or get an easy interception, with how clumsy those TE's can be.

4. Which of your attributes do you feel to be your biggest strength? Your biggest weakness?

I take pride in my last name and will always be the fastest man on the field. My biggest weakness would probably be my strength. Although my strength is underrated, I do believe it is something that I can continuously improve upon to become the best safety in this league.

5. Where else on the defense would you like an elite player to best compliment you?

Nothing more deadly than 2 safeties staring directly into the quarterbacks eyes, daring him to throw anywhere near us. A safety duo is something I am definitely looking forward to.

Thanks for the questions.