Ohio State Football: Interview with CFL star WR DeVier Posey

DeVier Posey was an outstanding wide receiver for the Ohio State football team who went on to play in the NFL before becoming a star in the CFL.

I had the opportunity to have a conversation with the former Ohio State wide receiver who starred for the Buckeyes from 2008-2011. He finished his college career with 136 receptions, 1,955 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.

He is ranked in the top 10 in Ohio State history in career receptions (9th), career receiving yards (10th) and career receiving touchdowns (10th). Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Posey spent 3 seasons in the organization.

After being traded to the New York Jets, he briefly spent time with the team and the Denver Broncos before taking his talents to the Canadian Football League.

Posey burst onto the scene in the CFL after signing with the Toronto Argonauts. His efforts as a wide receiver, punt returner and kick returner led to a successful 2017 season for the Argonauts.

On the longest pass in Grey Cup history Posey scored a touchdown on a 100-yard pass play. He was named Grey Cup Most Valuable Player. He spent the 2018 season with the BC Lions before signing as a free agent to the Montreal Alouettes for the 2019 season.

The former Buckeye WR and I talk about Coach Tressel’s impact, his success on the football field and current state of this Ohio State Football program. Check it out:

Steven Koesterman: What was it like playing for Coach Tressel?

DeVier Posey: “Tressel’s recruiting style is very personalized. He made sure each recruit was welcomed in a family atmosphere. He was a very intelligent man who gave you a sense of ‘if I go to school here, I will become not only a better player but an even better man off the field’. That feeling was truly accurate. Coach Tressel challenged me beyond the football field and he required a tremendous amount out of each one of his players. If you are ever looking for a good read, read his book, The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life.

Steven Koesterman: What was your favorite memory in your Ohio State career?

DeVier Posey: “Playing in the Rose Bowl in 2010 when we beat the Oregon Ducks 26-17. Another one of my favorite memories was going to Mirror Lake and watching fellow students jump into the lake. My wife, Kierra Posey, jumped in our sophomore year but I never did!”

Steven Koesterman: Can you talk about your foundation Pocket Full of Posey?

DeVier Posey: “It is a passion of mine to serve my local community and use the events that have impacted my life to help others. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using good diet habits is key to a healthy lifestyle. My brother Julian and I wanted to use our platform to help youth and their families reach their health and fitness aspirations. Through implementing our ideas through various events benefit families in Cincinnati, OH which is where I attended high school.”

Steven Koesterman: You were drafted 68th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. What was the feeling like to hear your name called and get drafted into the NFL?

DeVier Posey: “It was a dream come true! All the hard work had finally paid off.”

Steven Koesterman: You have played in both the NFL and CFL. What are the similarities and differences between both leagues?

DeVier Posey: “They are both professional football leagues with great history. The origins of the game are intertwined between each league and if you are a football fan and you love points being scored you would love both the CFL and NFL. The number of players on the field in the CFL, 12, and the size of the field differ compared to the NFL.”

Steven Koesterman: You were named Grey Cup MVP in 2017 as a member on the Toronto Argonauts. In four seasons in the CFL with the Argonauts, Lions and Alouettes, what has contributed to your success in the league?

DeVier Posey: “I have an appreciation for every opportunity and every chance that I get to strap it up and play the game I love. I contribute my success to my hard work as well. Never letting up on the work in the offseason and having a great understanding of my body’s routine.”

Steven Koesterman: Switching gears to the Buckeyes, what impressed you most about Ryan Day’s first year as head coach?

DeVier Posey: “His ability to put his best players in situations to succeed. He is not a system coach that has to find players with specific traits to run his system. He highlights his player’s best strengths and abilities which makes him a great coach in my eyes. His ability to adjust to his players and showcase their best abilities makes both him and our program elite.”

Steven Koesterman: You and current Ohio State WR coach Brian Hartline were teammates. What has impressed you most about his success both recruiting and coaching these Buckeye WRs?

DeVier Posey: “He is doing great job teaching the game to his players. Having a coach that played as much as he did in the NFL is priceless. His career experiences and resume speaks for itself. Current players and recruits respect his body of work which has allowed him the freedom for guidance of these talented wideouts. This has resulted in tremendous success for him early and often!”

Steven Koesterman: Early prediction for the 2020 Ohio State football team?

DeVier Posey: “I hope our offense is as powerful as it was this year. I think our WR group will be spectacular if they can stay healthy.”

Steven Koesterman: What are your personal football goals for 2020?

DeVier Posey: “My goals are to be a CFL All Star, win the Eastern Conference and win the Grey Cup. Also, I want to bring the positive energy everyday!”

The Montreal Alouettes open the season against the Calgary Stampeders on June 12th, 2020. Posey will look to have a productive and successful season. Hopefully, he will be playing in the 108th Grey Cup come November.