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5 things to know about new Rams CB Decobie Durant

With their second pick in the draft this year, the Los Angeles Rams added a cornerback with a great story of resilience and perseverance. They selected Decobie Durant in the fourth round, a corner out of South Carolina State.

He’s proud to have graduated from an HBCU and hopes to open doors for other players down the line.

“Coming from an HBCU, alongside myself with the others in the draft with me, we just trying to set the bar, set the bar high for not only ourself, but other people along with us in the draft and the people that’s coming in behind us next year,” he said.

Get to know Durant with five facts about the 24-year-old cornerback from Lamar, South Carolina.

Played at same college as All-Pro LB Darius Leonard

Durant didn’t go to a big school, walking on at South Carolina State after working at FedEx out of high school. But it’s not as if SC State, an HBCU, hasn’t produced NFL talent before. It’s the same college that Darius Leonard and Javon Hargrave went to, and they’ve been successful pros at the next level.

It’s always great to see players from smaller schools excelling in the NFL, and hopefully Durant is the next player in line to make it.

Was the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021

In his final season at SC State, Durant put together his best year. He picked off three passes, had 12 total pass breakups in 12 starts and earned postseason honors for his performance. He was an FCS All-American and was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, improving his draft stock even more.

When he was a junior in 2020, he tied for the third-most interceptions in the FCS with four, and tied for the most passes defensed per game (2.2), as well.

Had two interceptions against Clemson and 12 in his career

South Carolina State played against Clemson this past season, and though they got blown out, 49-3, Durant was a playmaker in the loss. He broke up two passes and had two interceptions, announcing himself on a national stage.

The Rams shared some highlights from that game, with one pick being on a tipped pass and the other being a great effort on a deep shot down the field.

Played quarterback and safety in high school

At Lamar High School in South Carolina, Durant played offense and defense. He threw for 621 yards and rushed for 603 as a senior, leading the offense as a dual-threat quarterback. He was also a leader in the secondary as their starting safety. He finished his final season with 50 tackles and four interceptions, earning All-State honors. Yet, he still didn’t get any offers to play college ball, which is why he had to walk on at SC State.

Had no offers after high school, worked at FedEx

Seeing no offers come his way to play collegiately, Durant found a way to at least bring in some money while he weighed his options. He worked at FedEx out of high school before eventually walking on at SC State in 2017. He redshirted his freshman year and then proceeded to play four seasons, graduating with a degree in physical activity management.

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