Dakari Monroe’s legacy goes much further than taking down opponents and intercepting passes, the San Jose State University cornerback is a composed individual on and off the football field.
As the season comes to an end, the senior cornerback will step on CEFCU Stadium one last time in a Spartan jersey.
SJSU has given Monroe many memories and has been a part of his journey in becoming a well-rounded man.
“I’m from San Jose and I take a lot of pride in being a local and a Spartan. I’m enjoying my last season. It’s fun to be around the guys one last time,” Monroe said.
Monroe is finishing up his fourth season as a Spartan with 34 games played and starting in 10 of them. He is one of the most experienced defensive players on the team.
“My college career has been a rollercoaster. What I’ve had to overcome and the people I’ve played with, it’s a lot of ups and downs,” Monroe said.
Monroe’s defensive backs coach Aric Williams said Monroe is the type of player every coach wants.
Williams said he is a determined individual who gives his extra time in perfecting
his techniques.
This marks the first season of Williams’ coaching career at SJSU. He advises other defensive players to ask fellow teammates, like Monroe, for extra guidance. Even off the field, Williams knows he can count on Monroe to do the right thing.
“Off the field, he is just one of those guys I never have to worry about. He handles his business,” Williams said then laughed as he added, “I told him someday he will run for mayor.”
Monroe’s teammate of three seasons, senior wide receiver Tre Hartley said Monroe displays a focused persona. Hartley said he is a locked-in competitor on the field, but off the field, he is a jokester. Hartley mentioned they have developed inside jokes and have come to know each other so well that they can look at each other and instantly laugh.
“Getting to know him, I learned he is a funny guy too. As soon as I see him, I smile without saying anything and I’ll miss that,” Hartley said.
Monroe is like any other college student and said he enjoys chilling, watching movies and playing video games. However, before he does any of those things, he has to take care of his busy schedule with coursework, practices and games.
“You really have to create a schedule, even if you write something down. I don’t, but I keep a mental note,” Monroe said. “I know certain days I have things to do and as time goes you get it down, it becomes second nature.”
Time management is not the only thing Monroe has on lock-down. Being a football player has taught Monroe a lesson he is able to use outside of football. He said there are different personalities on the team and football has given him that opportunity to learn and work with different individuals with various personalities.
Monroe will graduate in December 2018 with a degree in communications. His next step is finishing the season and with the support from his family, he hopes to play at the next level.
For now, he is focusing on Saturday’s game against the Wolf Pack.
