Pavey talks his visit to Cincinnati in an exclusive interview with TFON and discusses where his recruitment currently stands.
“I loved being up at UC they always treat my dad and I with great hospitality. They show love more and more every time I go up. Even better we got to see Nipp at night. I loved the visit,” said Pavey. “They broke play style down as well as things they still want to see me improve on and I loved that. That means they watch film on me. Everybody who has been involved in recruiting me from Cincinnati have been nothing but honest with me and I love that.”
What coaches from Cincinnati have you been in contact with?
“I’ve been in talks with defensive lineman coach Walter Stewart,” said Pavey. “He calls and texts me all the time. Coach Stewart makes me feel like what they are telling me throughout the process is the truth. They never disappoint. It is very cool to be receiving a lot of love from my hometown school.”
Relationship with Coach Stewart, and how he sees you in this new defense?
“I’ve seen clips of coach Stewart from his playing days at Cincinnati. He moves a lot better now than he did back when he played,” joked Pavey. “Coach Stewart believed I’m me from my first camp at Cincinnati. He knew I was an athlete, and I could be more, but he wanted to see it for himself, so I did just that. When I found out they wanted me to come up there and check out a practice I’m like “this could be it” went up with my dad and head coach Tyler Williams to practice and he was like “I think they will offer you today”. I waited around for coach Stewart after practice, met his wife and kids and then he told me “DP, big dog I want to offer you a full ride man”. So, coach Stewart is my guy through and through. Love our relationship and excited for what is yet to come. I think he sees me as player that could be like Dontay Corleone and if I can fill those shoes then man that would be dope. I can play all over the line and I think they can see that on tape.”
What stands out to you the most about the University of Cincinnati?
“Development,” said Pavey. “You see all the guys they have been able to develop in the last few seasons, it’s incredible.”
I know it’s still early in the recruitment process but talk about where Cincinnati stands currently.
“Cincinnati is very high on my list,” Pavey said. I’m ready to just keep getting better day by day and getting into the playoffs with my teammates.”
How would you describe your game?
“I’m not a one trick pony. I can blow past you, I can bully you, I can hit you with different moves, I can do a lot of different things,” Pavey said. “I am very versatile and can play all over the defensive line, and I think coaches have seen that on tape.”
Players Drayden Pavey models his game after.
“Chris Jones and Aaron Donald.”
Talk about what’s next for you? Have any visits lined up soon following your visit to Cincinnati?
“I have visits lined up to Kentucky and Louisville. I also plan to visit Michigan and Vanderbilt as well.”
