Miami Hurricanes running back DeeJay Dallas drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 4th round
Last month, former Hurricanes running back DeeJay Dallas said he’s “tied to Miami forever.’’
His ties to Seattle are just beginning.
Dallas, one of four University of Miami underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft, realized his lifelong dream Saturday when he was chosen in the fourth round — the 144th pick overall — by the Seattle Seahawks.
Dallas was the second Hurricane selected Saturday at about 2 p.m., four picks after teammate Shaq Quarterman was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“On the field I’m a real gritty running back,’’ Dallas, 21, told the Miami Herald. “And actually, I”m not just a running back. I can play wherever the team needs me to play.
“Off the field, I’m just a guy that doesn’t get into trouble, a leader in the community. I try to help the people who need help. I really just try to make the community I’m part of a better place for everybody.’’
‘Best’ pass-protecting back
Dallas, the father of almost 10-month-old DeeJay (not a junior because Dallas’ legal first name is Demetrius Jr.), who is called by his middle name Nova, is, indeed, a gritty back who was described by NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah during NFL Scouting Combine as “the best pass-protecting back in the draft class in my opinion.”
Dallas ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the 15th best time of 28 running backs and “plenty good enough,’’ Jeremiah said, because of his on-field finesse and power.
“His game is about vision, balance and power between the tackles,’’ Jeremiah said. “And then again, when you get in passing situations, [he’s a] 217-pound back that’s aware and can really, really pass protect.
“You talk about short yardage, this dude is a bulldog in short yardage.’’
Injury ended college career
Dallas, talkative and forever optimistic, led the Canes in rushing this past season, his first as the featured back after Travis Homer left for the NFL. He rushed for 693 yards and eight touchdowns on 115 carries for a 6-yards-per-carry average in 10 games before he dislocated his left elbow Nov. 23 in what would be his final UM game.
Dallas never required surgery, but opted not to play in the bowl game. He said he’s now “100-percent healthy’’ and noted that he sat out of the Independence Bowl mostly per the request of UM doctors and trainers. “They didn’t want me to reinjure it. It hurt me to sit out.’’
Dallas began his UM career as a receiver, and added 14 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns this past season. His versatility stretched to special teams, where he excelled returning kicks and punts in 2018. Dallas also often served as UM’s Wildcat quarterback, as he was a quarterback (among several positions) at Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia.
“It was tough decision for him to leave UM early,’’ said Dallas’ fiance, Yasmin Dugans, the daughter of former UM receivers coach and current FSU coach Ron Dugans. “But it was made for him. One thing I love about him is he is always positive, never discouraged.
“He always has faith.”
This story was originally published April 25, 2020 at 2:12 PM.
