They say that good things come to those that wait.  That is a phrase that Daryl “DJ” Cone, Jr. often hears.  DJ who is a redshirt sophomore at Gardner Webb University is currently getting playing time on special teams.  However, DJ, a former standout player at Islands High School, is patiently waiting to make his mark as a starting linebacker.  DJ knows it's an uphill battle but he is continuously working to get better at the collegiate level.  “When I get frustrated, the older players on the team always remind me that my time is coming.  They always tell me to keep doing what I’m doing and my time will come.” said DJ.  

Coaches tell their players all the time that it only takes one play and you’re the next man up.  So, DJ continues to  grind and prepare as if he was the starter.  Also, DJ feels that he must continue to work hard because he is viewed as a role model by a lot of people back home.  “I feel that some of my family members look up to me and they want to see me succeed.  My goal is to set an example for my younger cousins and show them that it’s possible to be a student/athlete on the college level.  Also, I feel like I’m playing for all my former high school teammates who had dreams of playing college football.  So, I know I have to keep pushing  because life is full of challenges, and I view this as an obstacle that I must overcome.” said DJ.  

DJ also expressed his appreciation for his parents.  "My parents are always supportive in helping me reach my goals.  There is nothing that they would not do for me and I appreciate them for that.  They have traveled to most of my games regardless of the location.  All they want for me is to be successful in life" said DJ.

As a student, DJ is working hard in the classroom and  pursuing a degree in chemistry.  

In the meanwhile, DJ is patiently waiting for his opportunity and the best is yet to come for Daryl “DJ” Cone.  

“Hardship often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny”
- C.S. Lewis