BROOKFIELD, Ill. — If there’s anything Daryus Skinner wants younger football players to know, it’s that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.
Earlier this week, the former Richmond Raider and current Winston-Salem State University junior safety was named to the 2018 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-American Team. He received First Team honors.
A 2016 graduate of Richmond Senior High School, Skinner impressed during his junior campaign with the Rams by leading all college football players across the nation, Division I through Division III, with 11 interceptions. That mark was just one shy of tying the Rams’ program record, which was set by Cornelius Washington in 1977.
“It feels really good, and I’m just grateful for it,” Skinner said of his first career All-American selection in a phone interview with ROSports. “I’m truly blessed and I want to keep it up and keep moving forward. I tried to live up to what I’ve been doing, but I know I need to keep my head in the books.
“This is a big accomplishment for me and my family,” he added. “It means a lot to be chosen because there are so many guys who could have gotten the award. Everybody works hard, but I’m really happy because I felt like I was looked over a lot as a freshman and sophomore, and even this year.”
The All-American selection was just the cherry on top of a career season for the 5-11, 175-pound Skinner, as he also received numerous other accolades for her play on the field.
According to WSSU’s football website, Skinner was also tabbed at the HBCU Gameday Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the Hero Sports Division II Player of the Year.
Padding his impressive resume was a First-Team selection to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association All-Conference Team (which the Rams play in). Skinner rounded out his postseason awards by also being named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Super Region 2 team.
But while Skinner, who just turned 21 and is majoring in recreational therapy, is thankful for all the recognition, he doesn’t let himself get caught up in the commotion. What’s most important to him is always having the desire to get better.
“I really don’t look into it that much,” Skinner said of the accolades. “But when I do get them, I feel blessed. I just want to keep getting better every year. There’s always a desire to keep stepping up and bring something new to the table.
“I can’t wait and see what I bring out next,” he laughed. “This season, I was so close to tying the school (interception) record, and I’d like to break it my senior year.”
Admitting his performance for the Rams this season would be tough to top in his final campaign in red and white, Skinner hopes to continue to get better, which is something he’s done since his playing days as a Raider.
During his final year at Richmond during the fall of 2015, Skinner was part of an 11-3 Raider team that went to the third round of the NCHSAA 4AA state playoffs. During those 14 games, he was fifth on the team with 84 total tackles. He was also second on the team with four interceptions.
Over the past three seasons as a starter at WSSU, Skinner has continued to get better and developed a name for himself as one of the best Division II players in the country.
Through 29 career games, he’s caught 15 interceptions and tallied 100 total tackles (77 solo). He also led the Rams in interceptions during his sophomore season, picking the ball off three times. This season he had 30 total tackles.
“A lot more film study this year,” Skinner said when asked what the difference maker was in nearly tripling his career interception numbers. “I’ve been in the same defense for the last three years and I’m more comfortable on the field.
“I always knew that I could do it, and I knew this time was coming sooner or later,” he added. “I try not to be cocky. I did it while I was at Richmond and now I’m doing it here.”
Adding to what made him a successful ball hawk this season, Skinner credited his speed and ability to cover “a lot of range” when the Rams are in man coverage.
Skinner acknowledged how impressive his feat was doing it in just nine games. He called WSSU’s 34-19 Homecoming win over Livingston College on Oct. 20 his “best game.” Against the Blue Bears, Skinner picked Jeremy Lewis three times, a season-high for the safety in a game. He also had a fourth interception, but was called back.
Moving forward, Skinner hopes to see other areas of his craft improve. He’d like to “get a lot more tackles, tackles for loss and force more fumbles” and “spread (his talents) evenly all the way across the field” next year.
As the hardware and recognitions pile up, Skinner isn’t quick to forget his Richmond County roots and playing days. He wants to use his success on the football field to inspire current and future Raider players.
“I want those guys to know that no matter your size, don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something,” Skinner said. “Go out and get it. There’s so much out there and you just have to keep your head on straight.
“Remember to respect your elders and work hard,” he closed. “If you keep working hard, it’ll all fall in place.”
As a final note, Skinner said he wanted to “thank everybody” who has impacted his journey, from his “coaches at Richmond” to his “family, uncle Derick Little and (current) coaches” at WSSU.
