College Football Player Sleeps in Car and Wins Big Ten Scholarship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 10:09 AM ET

Dariel Djabome’s path to Rutgers football is anything but ordinary.

The Quebec native, who once spent a night sleeping in a Kia Sport with three teammates and his coach just to attend a Rutgers camp, is now a full scholarship athlete and a leader on the Scarlet Knights defense.

In a exclusive interview with the Big Ten Communications, his story is one of resilience, belief in oneself, and relentless determination.

“Everybody is just fired up, you know? It’s hard winning in college football, especially FBS. We’re not taking anything for granted, and we’re going to keep chopping,” Djabome said of Rutgers’ 2-0 start this season.

Coach Schiano’s Role in a Breakthrough Opportunity

Growing up in Canada, Djabome faced unique challenges in pursuing football.

The game differs slightly north of the border with a wider field, 12-on-12 play, and less exposure to Division I scouts.

After high school, he attended CEGEP and then a prep school in Toronto, navigating a COVID-shortened season and limited opportunities.

The breakthrough came on a camp tour that led him to Buffalo, where he received his first offers from Maine and Buffalo.

The Rutgers staff kept pushing him to attend their camp, even though he had no accommodations.

“I slept in the car with three of my teammates and my coach in a small Kia Sport,” Djabome recalled. “I had a private camp the next day, did pretty good, performed in front of them, and then Coach Schiano offered me a full scholarship on the spot.”

Djabome said signing with Rutgers brought a sense of relief. “It was Big Ten and all that, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is perfect for me.’ It was a tough battle, but all blessings. I’m grateful to be here.”

Life at Rutgers and Canadian Connections

His impact extends beyond the field. Djabome was a finalist for the Cornish Trophy last season, awarded to Canada’s top football player, and could become the first defensive player to earn the honor.

He also finds comfort in a Rutgers roster that includes several fellow Canadians.

“It’s amazing to see others that basically did the same thing that I had to. I wasn’t alone, and all that—it’s always a good feeling,” he said.

When asked what advice he has for young Canadian players chasing their dream, Djabome’s response was simple: “You’ve got to bet on yourself. Believe in yourself. Because if you don’t, there’s nobody else that’s going to do it for you.”

From sleeping in a car to leading Rutgers’ defense, Dariel Djabome’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of self-belief—a player to watch this season in the Big Ten.

https://bigten.org/article/blta4b219ed45519583/

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: