From Raiders Training Camp: LB Divine Deablo

 Linebacker Divine Deablo Q: How excited are you to put training camp behind you guys and get out there and play some actual games? Deablo: "I'm very excited. We've been working every day. Fortunately, we've got a chance to work against other teams, so that was fun. But yeah, I'm very excited for the season and I'm sure everybody else is.” 

Q: I know it's not going to be until the season that you get a true handle on what the team is all about, what the defense is all about. But what are some of the traits that you're seeing that you feel will be transferable to the regular season? Deablo: "I would say just discipline and effort, just being on each other about no loafs and just running to the ball.” 

Q: You guys have talked so much about being disruptive, creating turnovers and now you've seen that put into place a little bit during the preseason. Like how much does it help to actually put that into practice out on the field? Deablo: "It's been amazing to see you and you just got to trust the process, and clearly the process has been working and we just got to keep that part of it up.” 

Q: Who's caught your eye in practice on the other side of the ball on offense? Deablo: "Honestly, all the guys. Everybody out there is making plays, all the receivers, tight ends, onehanded catches. Brandon Bolden made and one-handed catch today out the backfield. Just everybody on offense and I love to see it because it's competition for us and it makes us better.” 

Q: Does time fly by in the NFL? It seemed like yesterday we were just talking to you as a rookie. Deablo: "Yes, sir. Time does fly. Unfortunately, injuries kind of shortened my year last year, but like you said, it’s year three already and I just got to keep improving. Hopefully, I take a big step this year.” Q: Your season did get interrupted, and you were having a good year up until that point. How fired up are you just to finally get back out on the field in a real game? Deablo: "I'm very fired up. I got like five plays in this last preseason game. I was itching for more. So, I'm excited.” 

Q: Somebody else in that linebacker group shined on Saturday with Drake Thomas. What have you seen from the rookie? Deablo: "He's playing amazing, especially in these games. I don't even know how to describe it, it’s just Drake. He's running to the ball like a missile. First one to the ball and when he gets there, he's laying the boom. So, I love to see that from Drake.” 

Q: Unfortunately, Darien Butler is out for the season. How do you see the linebacker group evolving now, two weeks away from keeping it off? Deablo: "In a way it made us closer. Of course we feel bad for Butler, but we just got to keep moving forward, keep each other accountable and just keep moving.” 

Q: What about the other rookie who's flashed some in training camp and the preseason in Amari Burney? What do you like about his game? Deablo: " I like him because we mess around a lot. He used to be a safety back in the day too. We have very similar play styles, so he comes to me and asks me some questions. And I'm loving the way he's playing; he’s just got to keep it up.” 

Q: When you guys mess around, are you just competing with each other? Deablo: " Competing with each other. When he dropped that interception, I was on him about it because he gets on me too.” 

Q: Do you still feel like you're in transition to the linebacker position? I You made that switch before, but is it always a learning process, or are you there now? Deablo: " I feel like I'm more of a linebacker now. Of course, I'm still learning every day, some small things, but overall, I'm more comfortable down there.” 

Q: Do you see things with Amari Burney that you had to learn when you came to the NFL or when you were making that transition from safety? Deablo: " Just small things. I feel like he's a great learner. He takes coaching and he's good at bringing it to the field. So, not too much. It's just small details about leverage on the back or something, but nothing crazy.” 

Q: Going against Zamir White in practice, have you seen him kind of take a step in his development and where is he in his process of potentially taking on a bigger role? Deablo: " He's been great. I actually don't know when I go up against any of these running backs, I just go. But they have all been great. They all give me good work and competition.” 

Q: Have you had a chance yet to line up behind Tyree Wilson now that he's out there practicing? What do you see when he's out there and just how physically long he is? Deablo: "Like you said, he's long and he's very physical. So, I love to have him out there. He sets a good edge. That's all I’m going to say.” 

Q: How do you like the nickname ‘Big Swole’? Deablo: "I put in a lot of work, so I'll take it. I think it's funny. I'm going to take pride in that though.” 

Q: What's your favorite lift? Deablo: "That's tough. Actually, bench and curls. Got to get the arms right.” 

Q: You mentioned the limited snaps that you've played, but you've seen the team defensively do a good job with the turnovers. But also, you guys have only allowed one offensive touchdown in each game. How important is it making that a habit and taking those steps forward? Deablo: "I would say very important. We challenge ourselves every day to stop the offense, and that's what we're going to keep doing.” 

The Silver and Black open the regular season at the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 10, at 4:25 p.m. EDT/1:25 p.m. PDT.

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