Diamond In The Rough: Darnell Emery

Darnell Emery is a 6’5″ 215 pound tight end/defensive end out of West Feliciana High School in St. Francisville, Louisiana. He is a 4-star player rated at a 8.6. Emery is a long, athletic player who always plays sideline to sideline and is an aggressive pass rusher. He is quick off the edge and has a high motor. Emery takes pride in being a leader and good example for his teammates. He also plays baskeball and holds a 3.0 gpa at West Feliciana.

Check out Darnell’s highlights HERE

At what age did you begin playing football and what motivated you to play this sport?

I began playing football around the age of eight. I really wanted to play because it seemed like a fun sport. I ended up enjoying the sport a lot.

Do you play any other sports at West Feliciana?

I am also apart of our basketball program. I play center.

How do you think playing basketball helps you in football?

I would say that playing basketball really helps with my explosiveness all around.

What’s your favorite thing about your position?

I would tackling is my favorite thing. Being able to tackle is fun all around.

What are some goals you have for next season?

I want to get better. Hopefully, we make it to the playoffs as well.

What’s been the highlight of your football career?

I would say getting my first offer back in March was the highlight of my career.

How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you as a player?

I think they would describe me as a leader. They know I am someone they can come to whenever they need anything or someone to talk to.

What have you been doing this offseason?

I have been attending summer workouts at West Feliciana.

What has football taught you about life?

It has taught me how to really be a man and be more responsible. This sport has also helped me mentally.

What’s your favorite thing about playing football in this state?

I would say the fans are the best. In my area, we definitely have a great support system.

What would you tell younger players who want to play high school football one day?

I would tell them to just keep working and never give up on their dreams. It will be hard sometimes but you have to keep going.

Do you have a favorite NFL or College Athlete?

Jadeveon Clowney is my favorite NFL athlete because we play the same position and I see a little bit of myself in him.

What would you bring to a college team?

I would bring discipline and leadership.

What things are you looking forward to most in a football program?

I am looking forward to getting some wins in with my teammates.

What would you like to major in?

I would like to major in engineering. I hope to be a mechanical engineer one day.

What would you say are some of your strengths?

I would say my combination of speed and power is great. Me being as tall as I am and have a good amount of speed is a strength for any defense.

How do you balance school work and football?

Since I am doing online school, I basically wake up around 9am and just get straight to the schoolwork. I do my schoolwork until it is time to go to practice. Any school work I have not done, I finish after practice.

Three words to describe yourself?

Leader, disciplined, explosive.

How do you prepare for an upcoming game?

I basically listen to music to focus in on the game.

How do you handle wins and losses?

I can not dwell on losses. I keep my head up and move onto the next game.