Ole Miss Rebels Safety Daijahn Anthony's 'Dream Coming True' With NFL Draft Process

Ole Miss Rebels safety Daijahn Anthony participated in the team's Pro Day event on Wednesday, and he discussed his emotions throughout the current NFL Draft process.

Daijahn Anthony did not begin his collegiate career as an Ole Miss Rebel, but his experience in the SEC is carrying him to a future in the National Football League.

The safety was one of three Rebels invited to participate in the NFL Combine earlier this month, and he was also a participant in Ole Miss' Pro Day event on Wednesday. After the drills concluded, Anthony was made available to the media where he discussed what this draft process has been like for him, beginning at a different school, coming to Ole Miss, and being courted by NFL franchises.

"This last year, there's been a lot of movement and a lot of transition because, you know, coming from Liberty all the way to Mississippi, it's the farthest I've been away from my family," Anthony said. "It's a lot of traveling, but the process, you've just got to embrace it and soak it all in because your dream is finally coming true."

Anthony was clocked with a 4.51 40-yard dash time on Wednesday, and even though he was hoping for a faster time, he isn't too concerned about that number. At the end of the day, he believes his tape from the field of play is enough for teams to notice him and have faith in his football ability.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Daijahn Anthony at the NFL Combine

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

"Today was very good," Anthony said. "I'm glad I got to be with all of my teammates again and encourage them. I feel like my personal performance, I did very good. Certain stuff, I wanted to run my 40 a little faster, but straight-line speed and football speed are two different things. On the field, everybody knows I've got the speed to play in the NFL."

Although he has spoken in some capacity with "all 32" NFL franchises at all-star games this offseason, Anthony has a Top 30 visit scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals in early April, and he stated that his agent is likely scheduling visits with the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders as well.

Coming from Liberty prior to the 2023 season, this last calendar year has certainly been a whirlwind for Anthony. That has been ramped up since he finished his collegiate career at Ole Miss, and it can be difficult to balance all the interviews, training and draft prep leading up to the big day in late April. Still, this is a dream for him and all who are in similar shoes, so he counts it as a blessing.

"I won't say it's a lot, but it's more than what you'd expect," Anthony said. "People think you go to an all-star game, and you practice and play. But they might wake you up early morning, you go to practice, and then you might be doing interviews from 6:30 to 11 at night. It gets repetitive saying the same story over and over again, but it's all a dream. This is what you prayed for, so you've just got to embrace it and take whatever comes with it."

The NFL Draft begins on Apri 25 and concludes on April 27.