Dezmen Southward is an American football free safety for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League.
Education
Southward attended Saint Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he did not start playing organized football until his senior year. He was a starting defensive back for the team, helping lead the team to a National Championship. He was also a key member of the school"s basketball team, being named a three-year captain and two-time team Most Valuable Player.
He was considered a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.
Career
He played college football at Wisconsin, and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He set a school record by playing in 54 games, never missing a game over his four-year career. He started 30 games for the Badgers, recording 152 total tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss, forcing four fumbles, adding two interceptions and breaking up 11 passes.
Atlanta Falcons Southward was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round (68th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.
In week 11 of the 2014 season, Southward picked off Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer for his first career interception. During the 2015 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons hired Dan Quinn as their head coach, replacing the outgoing Mike Smith.
Quinn quickly changed Southward to a cornerback, from his natural safety position, and praised Southward"s "speed and length". Southward was waived by the Falcons on November 6, 2015, after appearing in just 3 games for the Falcons.
Indianapolis Colts Southward was signed to the Indianapolis Colts" practice squad on November 10, 2015.
Membership
He was also a key member of the school"s basketball team, being named a three-year captain and two-time team Most Valuable Player. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin where he was a member of the Wisconsin Badgers football team from 2009-2013.