Prior to Western Carolina: Was a part of two high school state championships as a sophomore and junior ... Earned first team all-region plaudits as a senior, posting 89 total tackles including 68 solo stops with five sacks ... High school head coach was Rush Propst.

Personal: Full name is Dankerious Willie Debruce, but prefers to go by "Willie" ... Is the son of Willie and Lillian Debruce.