The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Tracking the Longhorns: Quandre Diggs on the NFL Draft
05.02.2015 | Football
Defensive back was selected by Detroit Lions with the 24th choice in the sixth round
2015 NFL Draft Index | Diggs taken in Sixth Round of NFL Draft | Video: Highlights of Diggs| Photo Gallery: Diggs in action
Defensive back Quandre Diggs was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 24th pick in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
A three-year starter who ended his career ranked among the UT all-time top 10 in both interceptions and pass breakups, Diggs watched the draft unfold in Angleton, Texas, with his family.
Defensive back Quandre Diggs
On receiving the call: I got the call and the coaches are very similar to coach (Charlie) Strong, coach (Vance) Bedford and coach (Chris) Vaughn. It was a great feeling. My whole family is here (in Angleton). I've kind of been stressed all day, but it's finally here. I got my opportunity, so now I just have to go run with it.
On his family's reaction: I couldn't even hear the coaches on the phone it was so loud. I have my whole family here, and I'm a big family guy. It's special to me to have my mom and my brother, the two people closest to me, right here beside me. It's definitely a blessing.
On if he had contact with the Lions prior to the draft: I met with them at the combine. That was my only meeting with them. It's crazy how it works out. That was my only meeting, and now I'm with them. I love their coaches. They always like to joke around. They're all about business when it's time, but they like to joke around and have fun, too. That's what I really enjoy.
On his draft day: I've actually been working around the house all day. We had crawfish and shrimp and things like that, but I barely had an appetite, so I'm just getting ready to eat now.
On Mykkele Thompson being drafted and the two of them continuing the Texas defensive back tradition: It's great. Mykkele's my brother, that's my best friend. He's one of the people who definitely pushed me. I'm sure we'll see each other, and it's a blessing that we've got this chance. With us being roommates in college and friends and coming in together and both going out getting drafted together, it's a blessing.
On playing in the NFL like his brother Quentin Jammer: It means a lot. It's big for my family. I was actually the first one to graduate, and now me and my brother have this great thing for my family. That's what's important to me, just putting up my family and being respectful for them. I love them to death. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day with them and soak it all in.
On what he knows about how the Lions might use him and the city of Detroit: I think I'm going to playing a lot of nickel and inside out. They like my versatility. I just have to go out and prove myself. It's the same thing I did when I was at Texas. I don't know much about the city, but I definitely can get to know it. I know it will be crazy seeing Megatron (Calvin Johnson) at practice, that's definitely going to shock me a little bit.
On his experience at Texas and how it prepared him: I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I'm blessed. I'm thankful. It's another opportunity that a lot of other people don't get to have. I went to The University of Texas and had tremendous coaches and have the utmost respect for them. It's a blessing and a dream come true. I'm happy to have my degree from there also.
Additional quotes via conference call with Detriot media
On what the day has been like for him: "It has been pretty hectic, but at the end of the day I have been blessed to be drafted like a lot of guys. It is a blessing. I am here with my family enjoying it and soaking it all in. Couldn't have gone to a better organization with better people. I love the coaches and it is a great opportunity for me."
On his interactions with the Lions coaches throughout the Draft process: "Well, I met with them in Indy and I feel like we clicked at the Senior Bowl and we clicked in Indy. I have always said that I would like to be around those guys. They are kind of similar to the staff I had at Texas. Guys that will make you work but at the same time you're going to have fun and enjoy being around those people."
On the impact his brother (Quentin Jammer) has made on him: "He is probably the most impactful person of my whole deal with football. He is always there for me. I talk to him every day. That is my role model. I love my brother. He was the first one to give me a hug today when I got that call."
On if he mentioned anything about the Lions passing on him to take QB Joey Harrington: "It's funny because I met Joey and I know Joey personally. He is on the sports network and always came to visit Texas games. I was always around Joey. He was at the golf tournament we had for my agency and I talked to him again. He is a real positive guy. My brother and Joey know each other and they have a real good relationship. It is what it is."
On how he makes up for what some say is a lack of speed: "First of all I always say I am the most intellectual player and defensive back in this draft because of the way I know the game. It's about how you go out and play on Sundays and I think I am just going to go out and let that prove and show the coaches what I can do."
On how he became football smart: "I have been around the game my whole life. My brother played for 12 years in the League. I grew up around it. In the neighborhood I grew up, it's all about being competitive and playing football. I am very blessed to have great people in my life that kept me around the game and kept me on track doing the right things."
On how the Lions said they plan to use him: "They just want me to come in and contribute in any way I can. Just to come in and be the player that I can be and to go out and make plays. Those types of guys stick in the League, guys that go and make plays and help the teams win. That's what it's all about."
On if the Lions have mentioned him being a part of the return game: "They haven't talked about it, but they love my versatility. However I can get on the field and play then I would be happy to help the team."
On if he sees himself as more of an inside or outside cornerback: "I think I can do it all. In my mind I can do it all. Don't let the speed fool you. Don't let the hype fool you. I'm a competitor and I can go out and play the game. I can get those things done. Just about going out and proving it again."
On how he won a starting job as a freshman at Texas: "That just speaks to the dedication and the drive that I have, the type of mentality I have to excel. You don't come into Texas and be a four-year starter. You never see those types of guys. I think that drove me. I was kind of a guy that picked up a little late and I went in and proved those guys. I am looking forward to doing the same thing."
