drew dileo and tony drake
every time i see an article on either of these two they're tearing it up and their stats are other-worldly in top division/conferences. sometimes it just seems like certain guys are destined to outperform their guru rankings, and i think these two are excellent candidates. thoughts? anyone seen them in person?
October 27th, 2009 at 1:30 PM ^
Yes! We could use both of them on Punt returns ASAP!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:35 PM ^
Mr. Dileo is an elusive, Hang onto the Damn Ball type of punt returner / kick returner, and that that recently popular expression fades from the MGoInternets in coming seasons ...
October 27th, 2009 at 1:36 PM ^
To me, Dileo is perfectly sized to play in the secondary, and with all of the talent we have at the slot, I would much rather see him play defense.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:41 PM ^
But from what I read about Dileo, he seems like a Wes Welker clone
October 27th, 2009 at 1:42 PM ^
I more excited about Drake, and always have been. I think he can be an instant contributor. His HS plays in the top division in Texas and they run damn near the same offense as UM. He's also racking up some great stats on a team that is filled with D1 talent where the "wealth" has to be spread around.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:01 PM ^
I wish he would convince his teammate, Corey Nelson, to come to Michigan with him.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:09 PM ^
Linebackers? We don't need no stinkin linebackers.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:02 AM ^
yeah Tom I have seen TD on a couple occasions this year and I would LOVE to see Nelson in a winged helmet.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:38 PM ^
Dallas Skyline is now ranked as the #6 high school team in the country by Rivals.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:05 AM ^
Drake was in the same situation last year with "spreading the wealth" and seemed to do OK. This year he has done a better job of stepping up and demanding to have more and more of the wealth sent his way. I have noticed a step up in his game from last fall to this one.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:17 PM ^
Dileo will be our kick/punt returner by 2011.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:28 PM ^
"top division/conferences"
You're right w/r/t Drake, but I'm pretty sure Dileo plays in the smallest division in Louisiana, and it might be a private school only division, depending on State Athletic Association rules. So yeah, he's not tearing up top comp like Drake is, FYI.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:05 PM ^
i think you're right. i was mistaken. regardless, dileo seems to have the kind of versatile athleticism that exceeds his star ranking and i have high hopes for him.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:41 PM ^
Honestly, did anyone ever think that Tom Brady would be a Super Bowl MVP and all-around-awesome-dude while he was QB at UM? I certainly didn't. He was obviously very good but I didn't expect him to "blow up" like he has in the NFL.
You can apply the same thought process to high school football players: some "get it" and fit in right away, some struggle and then the "lights come on", some never figure it out.
I would hope that Tony and Drew can find their place on the UM football team and contribute (hopefully sooner rather than later). Unfortunately, trying to figure this out by extrapolating HS statistics might be an exercise in frustration.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:00 PM ^
From what I've read on Dileo, he seems to have a knack for the "return" game. I think the M coaches saw this on film early and wanted to grab him. It may be somewhat of a gamble but a good punt/kick return man is sorely needed.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:30 PM ^
I'll take an average return man with 10 other guys that can create a lane for the return man to run through over a great return man with no lane.
October 28th, 2009 at 3:17 AM ^
I think he can have an impact in the return game as well as long as he holds onto the damn ball. From the video footage I have seen, he suffers from a slight case of fumbelitis. That is okay with me because that is what coaching is for.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:29 PM ^
What was the guy's name that returned punts/kicks for Iowa a few years back. Very tough and fast. Not much of a pro fan but I think he is still with a team. Anyway, hope Dileo has similar ability.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:36 PM ^
Tim Dwight?
October 27th, 2009 at 4:44 PM ^
Thank you - guess it has been more than "a few years".
October 28th, 2009 at 1:13 AM ^
i agree with tom and the others that these two underrated sleepers in this years class and can be an early impact for next year i have drawned comparision these two. drake if left at rb i think he can be our noel divine and drew dileo i agree tim dwight and and also wes welker if left at reciever