Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with senior wide receiver Darrell James
10/25/2018 | 9:07:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — School, football and fatherhood. That is the life of fifth-year senior Darrell James. On September 26, James became a father to Jason Angelo James and the word he continues to use to express his life is "blessed". Along with becoming a father, James continues to climb the ranks in Saluki football history as he has caught at least one pass in 23-straight games and is among the top-10 in career receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yardage.
How has your life changed since the birth of your son?
It makes my reason so much stronger and it also helps when I get home at night. When I have a long day and come home exhausted, I see him and his smiles. It has been a blessing to have him in my life.
Has managing your time become more difficult?
Definitely the mornings. When I mean mornings, that is times like 3 a.m. or 6 a.m. Throughout the day, he is a blessing. But at night when he is hungry, he is gonna let you know. Often times, having those early morning workouts takes a toll on you when you are already up through the night.
What is your favorite part about being a father?
My favorite part about it all is coming home to him. When you come home, he just looks at you with that same look of "okay he's back, who's this?" I enjoy playing with him and teaching him the ways of life.
Did your parents set a good example on how to raise your child?
I remember the saying my parents used to always tell me which was "I want to give you a better life than I had". My parents gave me a great life and I'm very blessed to have them in my life. They instilled on how blessed I was at a young age. I want to instill that in my son, as well, in that he is going to be blessed and taken care of. His mother is also amazing and spoils him probably more than I do. It is a great feeling to give that love, like my parents gave, to my own child.
Will you want your son to play football?
I will not force it upon him because no one forced it upon me. Growing up, I played four sports and will let him do the same if he chooses. But at the same time, I may buy him more football accessories and make sure he is receiving the right training if he does end up playing football. But if he decides to play other sports instead, I will still support him, just as how my parents supported me.
Do you envision yourself as a future football coach?
It is a future goal and I hope that influences my son to play football a little more. I have a degree in sports administration with a minor in coaching. Coming from Texas, football is life and even before living in Texas, my family loved watching football. My mom is a die-hard Cowboys and Bears fan and knows a lot about football. My sisters love the game, too, and we are a football family. If I coach football, I am hoping that it will help my son enjoy and understand the game more. In return, it can help him become more gifted, too.
After leaving SIU, do you plan on going back to Texas?
As soon as the season is finished, I will be going back home to Texas to be with my family and start training. I know a lot of guys back home who have trained NFL players and the plan is to grind and get ready for my future life.
Do you picture yourself playing for any specific team?
I will be thankful for any shot I receive in the NFL. Whether it is with the Cleveland Browns or New England Patriots, the opportunity is all I ask for. Growing up, my mom used to tell me that nothing is ever promised in life. But when you receive the opportunity, you have to promise yourself that you will do everything possible with it. That is what I have been doing throughout college and hope to get the chance to do at the next level.
When you played high school football in Texas, were their any noteworthy players that you either played with or against?
There were a lot of good players, but the two biggest names would have to be Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns defensive end) and A'Shawn Robinson (Detroit Lions defensive tackle). Garrett and I had a few nice encounters when we matched up. I will never forget when he tackled me with one arm off a tunnel screen. But he is a great person and even told me that he held a lot of respect for me. Robinson went to our rival school and actually played tight end against our team in a 7-on-7 game once. He was probably the only 300-pound tight end I have ever seen.
You rank among the top-10 in receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yardage in Saluki history. Do you credit anyone in particular to this success?
My coaches and teammates. My teammates for allowing me to make the plays and the coaches for trusting me in the offense. I also have to give the most praise to God. He is the one who got me here and blessed me with these athletic abilities. But I would trade all of these top-10 rankings for more wins any day. I know how hard my team works and how many good players we have on this team.
While the season has not panned out how you likely imagined, what goals does the team have to finish out the season?
To dominate every play and come home with a win. Our Saluki fans deserve many more wins. Our coaches, players, strength staff and trainers deserve it too. We work very hard and it simply is not showing on Saturdays. We have led at halftime in at least five games but have not finished. Therefore, we just have to come out, stay together and finish strong.
Through these five years here at SIU, what has been your favorite memory?
It is probably the South Dakota game from two years ago. We beat them and stormed the field but then the refs came back on the field and told everyone that South Dakota had one more play from the 2-yard line. But then our defense made another stop and we stormed the field again and it felt even better than the first time.
What do you want to world to know about Darrell James?
I want the world to know that I am a die-hard football fan. I would do anything for the game of football. On top of that, I want everyone to know that SIU does have something special here. It is just those one or two little things that need fixed and once they are, I feel like they will win a national championship. When they do, don't say I told you so.
