Carrollton, GA – College life is all about choices. For UWG defensive back Jenoris Darby, the choice of football over basketball has turned out to be the right choice.
Darby, a junior from College Park, was an exceptional athlete in high school. In addition to being a solid performer on the field, in the classroom and on the basketball court, he received top-class instruction as well, playing football under former coach Don Shockley, father of Atlanta Falcons quarterback, D.J. Shockley.
While growing up, Darby’s father was an excellent basketball player, and the skills were passed down to Darby and his brother to carry the family torch. Darby started to play basketball when he was in the fifth grade and then for his middle school in the seventh grade.
“Playing basketball has always been one of my favorite sports to play growing up,” Darby said. “However, I knew that football would be the best fit for me at the collegiate level.”
While in high school, Darby was recruited by many schools, but Division-I Western Carolina University was one of the few that would allow Darby to attend their school and play football and basketball. But, rather than make himself a weary two-sport student-athlete, he chose between the two and stepped onto the WCU gridiron.
But by the time he stepped onto campus, adversity was beginning to take hold in the freshman’s life.
In 2008, as a freshman at Western Carolina, Darby was on a path for success with the Catamounts as he redshirted in his first year. Within the season, the two people in this world that he most admired suddenly passed away. His father and grandmother, who played instrumental parts in his life, were no longer there to see him play again.
“I looked up to my grandmother because she was such an amazing woman who was humble in any situation,” Darby said. “I received my athletic ability and the need to compete from my father. Because of them, I pray before every game, and I thank them for everything they blessed me with.”
Following these tragic events, Darby made the final decision to move back closer to home so he could be the support his family needed. He began to search for schools he could attend and felt that the University of West Georgia was the place to call home for the remainder of his collegiate career.
“Being here at West Georgia, it feels like home,” said Darby. “I enjoyed my first year here, but I am excited about what the next few years will be for me.”
Darby hit the ground running at UWG, becoming a Criminology major and Spanish minor. He has ambition as well, as after graduation Darby plans on becoming a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team member.
“I have always worked hard on being a team player,” said Darby. “I think that will translate well to S.W.A.T.”
On the field, Darby is an outstanding athlete with great covering skills and some would say he is a ball hawk. With great feet and hands, Darby compares himself to Antrel Rolle, the safety for the New York Giants, who played college ball at the University of Miami.
If the remainder of his career improves from his first season at West Georgia, Darby could become one of the best ever in Carrollton. On the second defensive possession of the season last year, Darby picked off the first pass of the season for the Wolves. He ended the year with 28 tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions.
“People always said I was a big corner and in some ways doubted my abilities. I had to go out and prove everybody wrong,” states Darby. “But I also want to get better and I want to change my work ethic for this next year. I want to become a better leader, while at the same time, become stronger, faster, and smarter about the game.”
The 2010 season begins on August 28 in Carrollton, when Wingate, the victim of Darby’s first interception, visits University Stadium for the first time.