Michigan State defensive lineman D’Quan Douse was productive for the program this past season. The Georgia Tech transfer recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a rotational defensive lineman. Douse drew a crowd at the Spartans’ Mar. 12 Pro Day, meeting with pro scouts before and after the showcase.
Douse recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Douse discussed his decision to enter the transfer portal, stopping the run and rushing the passer, which teams he met with at Pro Day, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Georgia Tech to Michigan State?
D’Quan Douse: I appreciate that I made that decision when I look back. I think it was a good decision in a multitude of ways. It gave me an opportunity to play in a different style of defense. We had a pro-style defensive line.
I was allowed to attack upfield more and I was more disruptive in the backfield as a result.
JM: You were definitely more disruptive in the backfield. You totaled 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a rotational defensive lineman. What is it about your game that allows you to make plays in the backfield?
D’Quan Douse: I think my biggest asset is my quickness off the ball. I have terrific play recognition pre-snap as well. Even that split second after the snap, I’m quick to diagnose. It definitely helped me make plays.
JM: We saw that on tape. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? Are you trying to prove to teams throughout this process that you can rush the passer?
D’Quan Douse: I definitely am. I feel like I’ve shown flashes of being an effective pass rusher throughout my career. I don’t think I’ve shown my complete potential as a pass rusher yet. I’m working hard to prove that. I have more capabilities in that department than I’ve shown.
JM: Are you more comfortable as a run-stopper at this point in time? Is that the feedback you’re getting from NFL scouts, with teams appreciating your ability to play on early downs?
D’Quan Douse: Yeah, there’s been a little bit of that. As far as my comfort level goes, I feel comfortable both rushing the passer and stopping the run. To date, I’ve been a bit more productive as a run-stopper.
JM: Which defensive linemen do you enjoy watching and studying at the next level?
D’Quan Douse: The No. 1 guy who comes to mind is Calijah Kancey. He just came out a couple of years ago for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I played against him a few times. I’ve been watching him in the league. I could see myself playing a similar role.
JM: That’s a good comp. Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this pre-draft process?
D’Quan Douse: I had an in-person visit with the San Francisco 49ers right before my Pro Day [3/12]. They met with me the day before at Michigan State.
JM: There’s interest in you for sure. We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on D’Quan Douse?
D’Quan Douse: A team should draft D’Quan Douse because he’s going to be a key factor. I’m an experienced player. I played four pretty good seasons of college football at two different programs and in different defensive schemes.
My experience sets me apart. I feel like I proved myself at the college level. I played against a lot of great offensive linemen and NFL draft picks. I was always productive and disruptive. I’ve performed against Ole Miss, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and others. I’ve proven myself at that level.
