Ex-HBCU Star Decobie Durant Snags Two Interceptions on Christmas Day

Former South Carolina State star cornerback Decobie Durant had a stellar performance as the Los Angeles Rams routed the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day.
Ex-HBCU Star Decobie Durant Snags Two Interceptions on Christmas Day
Ex-HBCU Star Decobie Durant Snags Two Interceptions on Christmas Day /

HOUSTON — Former HBCU star cornerback from South Carolina State, Decobie Durant, had an tremendous performance as millions watched him and the Los Angeles Rams' 51-14 rout of the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day. 

The rookie defensive back intercepted the Denver quarterbacks — Russell Wilson and Brett Rypien — to have quite a celebration for the holidays.

Decobie Durant
Dec. 25, 2022; LA Rams cornerback Decobie Durant speaks to media regarding his two interceptions against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day.; Credit: LA Rams

"I finally did it," Durant said in his post-game comments on getting the pick-six. He mentioned that veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner finally spoke to him, saying, "Merry Christmas rook!"

The Buddy Pough's disciple robbed Wilson after tipping the football to make an acrobatic interception at the Denver 49-yard line with 7:47 in the first quarter. The rookie cornerback got to his feet and ran 15 yards to the Denver 34-yard line.

"I really lost the ball on the first one. I lost it in the sun, and I had to re-catch it again," was how Decobie described his first interception of the game.

Later with 4:21 remaining in the contest, Durant intercepted Rypien at the Los Angeles 15-yard line and ran 85 yards for the first pick-six touchdown of his career.

Decobie Durant
Jun 7, 2022; Thousand Oaks, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick (6) and defensive back Decobie Durant (14) during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

"I gave up a touchdown in the scramble drill. I gotta get my 'get back' before the game's over." Durant continued, "I was holding my leverage, and when I'd seen the ball, I just broke on it. And the rest is history."

It was Decobie's first pick-six since his high school days

Durant's two interceptions were his first since a Week-2 takeaway against the Atlanta Falcons. He is a budding defensive star with 11 game appearances (1 start), 11 tackles, 5 passes defended, 1 sack, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions for 151 return yards.

Decobie Durant
South Carolina State defensive back Decobie Durant (14) celebrates after defeating Jackson State University in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday December 18, 2021. Cb48

Los Angeles selected Durant as the 142nd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the second HBCU student-athlete drafted after Kansas City chose Joshua Williams (135th overall) in the 4th round.

It's been a great few weeks of MEAC football being represented in the collegiate and professional ranks. First, the NCCU Eagles defeated Jackson State and claimed the 2022 HBCU Football National Championship. On Christmas, the MEAC alum Decobie Durant proved that the LA Rams correctly drafted a talented HBCU defender.


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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: