One of seven running backs in school history to rush for more than 2,000 career yards, Ryan Durdon is gearing up for his senior season for the Concordia University football team. We caught up with the dynamic back from Decatur, Texas, for a summer Q&A.
Q: There’s a little more downtime obviously in the summer. What are you doing to fill that time?
RD: A little work to make some money for the school year and just trying to get ready physically and mentally for the season. I’m trying to get more involved with the other players like if anyone has a question about any position on the field. I want them to be able to ask me and I can tell them.
Q: It wasn’t always easy last football season with the on-field results. What was the biggest lesson you learned from it?
RD: Always keep fighting. Never give up no matter what. Losing feels even worse when you know you didn’t give it your best. If you lose and you give it your all, you take it under the chin and move on to the next week.
Q: There were times where it looked like you didn’t have a ton of room to run. What makes you optimistic that things will be different this fall?
RD: (Coach) Grady Koch, really. He’s a big part of it. He’s been doing a really good job in the offseason with the o-linemen who have stayed over the summer. He’s making sure they’re getting in shape and doing stuff like lifting with them. He’s being a great coach just like he was a great player.
Q: Last year you grew in your ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and as a kick returner. What did it take for you to be become a more complete player?
RD: I think they trust me more. I actually returned kicks and played receiver before I ever played running back. Our coaches got creative. The year before we could call just about whatever play we wanted and we could get four-to-five yards usually. Last year was different. We struggled a little bit so we had to be more creative. I think Coach (Reggie) Corbin did a good job of spreading it out.
Q: What can you say about how things may have looked a little bit different in the spring with Coach Corbin taking greater control of the offense now?
RD: It was not too simple, but also not too complex. We learned the parts we needed to know for spring ball. The key is that no one is confused so that we can play fast. Everybody wanted to play fast, get better and prepare for next season and make sure it goes better than it did last year.
You have had over 220 carries in each of the last two seasons – more than 20 per game on average. How have you prepared for that kind of workload?
RD: It’s mentally mostly. Obviously there is an endurance and physical element to it, but most of it is mental. You just have to push through when you think you can’t go anymore. Go a little farther.
Q: Coach Daberkow says you are up there with the best running backs to play at Concordia. What does that mean to hear that from your head coach?
RD: He’s been here for a long time and he’s seen a lot of running backs. Really I’m just honored that I have this opportunity. I’m glad that Coach Daberkow had the idea for me to switch positions. Really just grateful for the opportunity I’ve had.
Q: The record was 3-7 in 2018. What do you sense in regards to the level of confidence inside the locker room?
RD: It’s in the past, not even thinking about last year. All it does is drive us to get better. That drive is what gives us confidence that we can succeed.
Q: If there is something you personally would like to be better at in 2019, what would it be?
RD: More vocal. I want to be a more vocal leader. My nature is to be quiet and observe. I noticed last year that I can’t do that. If I don’t say anything a lot of the young guys won’t know what is expected of them. That’s unacceptable.
Q: Taking a look back, what was the most memorable sports moment for you during high school?
RD: Probably losing in the playoffs both years. The good memories were just the whole thing. I just like playing football so I enjoyed it all.
Q: Why have you continued to stick with the long hair look?
RD: I’ve put a lot of work into it. I went back and forth trying to decide whether I want to cut it or whether I want to grow it out. I started it my senior year of high school. I just did it because after college you can’t really have long hair. I figured this would be my last chance to grow it out. Over the last year or so I’d say I’ve gone back and forth on whether to leave it alone or get it cut. Every time I think I’m going to get it cut – ‘nah, I’ll just wait.’ I haven’t brought myself to do it yet. It’s a part of me.
Q: What is the one thing you admire most about Coach Daberkow?
RD: His competitiveness. He wants to win worse than any of us. I believe that. It’s inspiring.
Q: Who is a player that you looked up to early in your career that has perhaps helped you get to the level you are at?
RD: A lot of them – Vince (Beasley), Jared Garcia, Trey Barnes, Tarence Roby and DA (D’Mauria Martin). When I played receiver I had to go one-on-one against them (Roby and Martin). Going against them you really figure out what you have to fix, because they’ll expose you. Jared was always giving me advice. Vince was too. They were the position group leaders at the time. When I switched to running back it was TJ (Austin) and Trey Barnes.
Q: Did you ever beat Roby or Martin deep in practice?
RD: (Laughs) … I don’t remember. I may have caught a couple on them.
Q: What would you say is the biggest difference between you as a student-athlete freshman year compared to now going into your senior year?
RD: Longer hair … It’s kind of the same with everyone. I’m just more mature. You grow up a little bit and you learn to appreciate the people here.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about living in Nebraska?
RD: The people. There are a lot of good guys here. The guys on the football team were a big reason why I chose to come here. When I came on my recruiting visit everyone just seemed to interact really well. No one seemed to get cast out. It was like a brotherhood. I really enjoyed that.
Q: A lot of people around here seem to have a favorite place to eat in Lincoln. Do you have a go-to like a Raising Cane’s or anything like that?
RD: I have a few – Freddy’s, Raising Cane’s, Honest Abe’s and D’Leon’s.
Q: If everything goes exactly as you dream it, you will be doing what five years from now?
RD: I really don’t know. I couldn’t tell you. I’m pretty focused on this football season. Obviously I’ll be graduating, getting a job and working. Hopefully I’ll be happy.