Landon Buford
The Seattle Seahawks selected running back DeeJay Dallas out of the University of Miami with the number 144 pick fourth-round in this year’s draft. During his three seasons in a Canes’ uniform, Dallas rushed 1,527 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also added 28 receptions for 317 yards out of the backfield. Dallas is a special talent that ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
Seattle could possibly utilize Dallas speed this upcoming season as a kickoff or punt returner. Something he is former with during his time in Miami as they are looking to replace starting wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the return game. When asked about it after the Seahawks drafted him on day 3. He answered if that is what team needs then he would return.
“If that’s what the team needs, I’ll be returner,” Dallas said. “But I really like returning the ball. It was fun to me and I feel like it added another aspect to my game. If that’s what the coaches want me to do, I’ll do it. That’s all I can really say about that.”
His former Hurricanes teammate, Romeo Finley now with Los Angeles Chargers was a guest on the What’s Your Opinion Podcast, and was asked what type of player the Seahawks were getting in Dallas.
“Man DeeJay Dallas, that is a ballplayer, a motivator and he is going to give it his all. He did his three years and came out, but you have to feel for him, he had a little kid and did what he to do. He felt like he had enough [in Miami] and the Seahawks drafted him in the fourth round. So, they see something in him and he is going into a backfield where he played with that guy [Travis Homer] and he has been there for two years. So, he will be able to give him some knowledge. They know each other, so that will be good for him, and I feel they are getting an all-around back. One of the scouts said that he was the best blocking running back coming out of this class. So, that is high praise.
“They are getting a do it all guy because he came into Miami as a receiver and made the transition to running back. So, I feel they are getting a versatile player that run, block, and catch. I’m going to be routing for bro.”
As Finley stated, Dallas has a son, which he had during spring training camp in his final year at the University of Miami. Dallas recently shared with John Boyle of Seahawks.com that his son DeeJay was his greatest gift.
“I had my son back in camp of my final year of college, so it was rough in the beginning, but we got through it,” Dallas said. “With him coming up on his first year, it’s a blessing just to watch him grow up. It’s a blessing to be a part of all of his milestones. I count him as my greatest gift from God. As athletes, we all count our abilities as gifts, but now I count my son as my greatest gift I’ve received from God. It’s a blessing.
“Just witnessing all of his milestones, watching him grow up. That’s really been the best part for me. All those milestones really encompass the whole experience of being a father.”
