After building a reputation as one of the most versatile defensive backs in the Pac-12 and then Big 12, Arizona’s Treydan Stukes enters the NFL Draft process as a player capable of filling multiple roles in the secondary.
Stukes has also reportedly been one of the pre-draft 30 visits for the Seattle Seahawks, further highlighting the growing interest in his skill set at the next level.
With experience across the defensive backfield — from slot to outside corner, deep safety, and even box responsibilities
— Stukes offers the kind of positional flexibility that modern NFL defenses (like Mike Macdonald’s) covet. His combination of physicality, instincts, and football intelligence has allowed him to impact the game in a variety of ways.
In this interview with Field Gulls, Stukes breaks down his playing style, versatility, and what he brings to the next level.
1. You played multiple roles in the secondary at Arizona. How has that versatility shaped you as a defensive back?
Treydan Stukes:
I think getting the chance to play multiple positions has really helped me complete my game as a defensive back. Every role has slight differences, and learning them all has increased my overall skillset and my football IQ.
2. How would you describe your playing style to someone who has never seen you play?
Treydan Stukes:
I play fast and physical. I’m an instinctive playmaker.
3. Do you see yourself more as a corner, safety, or a hybrid defender at the next level?
Treydan Stukes:
My ability to play all four positions in the defensive backfield is what makes me so unique. Offenses try to create mismatches based on personnel, and I can help take that away. I can match up as a corner or nickel, I can play the deep post, and I can play in the box and help stop the run. I can fit into any role that my team needs.
4. You’re known for your physicality and tackling. How important is that part of your game?
Treydan Stukes:
Tackling is a very important factor for defensive backs. I have definitely made it an emphasis to be aggressive and physical in the tackling game. Being able to tackle as a DB increases your versatility and allows you to stay on the field. My goal is to be so versatile that I never have to come off the field.
5. How comfortable are you playing in the slot versus on the outside?
Treydan Stukes:
I’m comfortable with both. I’ve had more snaps in the slot, so I feel really confident there, but I’ve also been very effective when I’ve had the opportunity to play outside corner. There are slight differences in technique and keys between the two positions, but the bottom line is that I can cover anyone on the field.
6. What is your pre-snap and post-snap process when diagnosing plays?
Treydan Stukes:
Most pre- and post-snap diagnosis is based on the specific game plan and opponent. You generally have a key, and then use what you’ve gathered from film study to narrow down the possibilities.
7. How do you approach man coverage versus zone concepts?
Treydan Stukes:
Man coverage is more about technique, eye discipline, alignment, leverage, etc. Zone still has a majority of those principles, but also includes a lot of route recognition and recognizing passing concepts as a whole.
8. How do you evaluate your ball skills?
Treydan Stukes:
I think my ball skills are one of my best traits. I pride myself on making plays on the football when those opportunities present themselves. You can never stop improving at finishing at the catch point, so I’m always working to get better at that.
9. Is there any NFL defensive back you study or model your game after?
Treydan Stukes:
I play multiple spots, but I try to take different things from guys like Kyle Hamilton, Jalen Pitre, Cooper DeJean, and Pat Surtain. I like the way all those guys play.
10. What is the main area of your game you are focused on improving?
Treydan Stukes:
You can never stop getting better at this game. I bring my best to each and every play and am just trying to be more consistent in all phases of my game.
Stukes is projected to be a Day 2 draft pick after his long career at Arizona. Watch some of his highlights in the video below! Thanks to Treydan for the interview.
