Derion Kendrick talks up Ja'Marr Chase, offers high praise for the former LSU star

Former Georgia defensive back Derion Kendrick is preparing for his opportunity in the NFL. At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, the defensive back was asked which wide receiver was the toughest for him to cover throughout his collegiate career.

“I’d say Ja’Marr Chase,” responded Kendrick. “Physical, fast guy. Great player. He was NFL ready when he was in college.”

Of course, Kendrick didn’t face Chase while at Georgia, but while he was at Clemson he got a chance to lineup against the former LSU star. However, he wasn’t so lucky in that game — LSU boat-raced Clemson on their way to a national championship.

Still, Derion Kendrick received valuable experience from the game. If they face off once again in the NFL, the former Clemson and Georgia star will be hoping for a better result.

Derion Kendrick owns up to his off the field problems at the NFL Combine

Moreover, Derion Kendrick has immense ability as a defensive back. However, despite his impressive athleticism, the former Georgia defensive back had an uneven collegiate career.

Kendrick ended his time on top, a national champion with the Bulldogs. But his road to a championship was paved with hard times. Prior to joining Georgia via the transfer portal in 2021, Kendrick was dismissed from the Clemson Tigers by coach Dabo Swinney.

Swinney was always complementary of Kendrick, even stating “I love DK” when asked about his dismissal. However, it wasn’t working at Clemson for the star athlete.

A bevy of speculation ensued, but it was believed to be a communication issue that led to Kendrick leaving the Tigers. Nevertheless, it worked out for the defensive back in the end. At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Kendrick owned up to his off-field problems that plagued his collegiate career.

“You know, teams are looking for the best,” stated Kendrick. “Off the field, mostly, so they don’t have to worry about you getting in trouble, and stuff like that. So yes sir, it has come up. And you know, I own up to my mistakes.”

Additionally, Kendrick stated he wants to show NFL teams that all his troubles are in the past, and he’s learned from everything that’s happened.

“Just to show them, you know, all that stuff is behind me,” stated Kendrick. “I made some bad decisions. Stuff like that. But just growing up as a person. Maturity wise. You know, communicating with my coaches over time. That’s some things I had to work on.”

As you can see, Derion Kendrick sounds like an athlete who’s matured through the process. It’ll be interesting to follow his journey at the NFL beckons for the former Clemson and Georgia star athlete.