Darius Slay impressed by Jeff Okudah’s drive: ‘He’s gonna be the next one’

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay has already developed a close relationship with Lions first-round pick Jeff Okudah. The two connected in the offseason — at Okudah’s request — and the young Ohio State cornerback made a big impression on Slay.

“I see a bright future for him, man,” Slay said on Glover Quin’s new video podcast The DB Room. “He’s a humble kid. We was chopping it up. We watched some of my film. We watched some of his film together.”

Slay said he’s encouraged by Okudah seeking out help and guidance from around the league, because Slay himself credits his supporting cast for his quick growth in the NFL.

“I’m always here to help young kids, because that’s what y’all did to me,” Slay said. “Y’all led by example. You, (Ra)‘Shean (Mathis), all the guys, man. One thing I can tell about myself is I don’t know what I’d do without that room we had.”

Unfortunately, Slay won’t be in that room with Okudah to help guide him every day, something that Okudah hoping for, according to Slay. The Lions will, however, have veteran Desmond Trufant, who was coincidentally taken 14 picks before Slay in the 2013 NFL Draft and has a Pro Bowl nod of his own.

And Slay believes that as long as Okudah follows the guidance and support of the right people, he’s potential is extremely high. And it starts with Okudah’s impressive drive, which Slay alluded to is fueled, at least in part, due to the loss of his mother.

“You can see the hunger he got, man,” Slay said. “The story he got, though, I ain’t gonna be the first to tell it, but the story he put out there for the world to understand where he comes from, you understand why he has that drive and that mentality to be one of the top corners that came out of college this year. I watched him, and I can only say the sky is the limit that man. He’s got unbelievable talent. (If) he just surrounds himself with people like I did and listen, he’s gonna be the next one, too.”

If you want to watch the entire interview between Glover Quin and Darius Slay, here are Parts 1 and 2. The interview basically spans Slay’s entire life, from growing up in Brunswick, Georgia with his 13-year-old mother, to becoming the player he is today. And, no, there is no trashing of Detroit or the Lions or Matt Patricia. Just Slay telling his life story.

Oh, and Quin’s guest for next week? Jeff Okudah. Stay tuned.