drew dileo and tony drake

Submitted by ish on

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?

tpilews

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.

cjm

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.

The Nicker

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.

Bronco648

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.

ajscipione

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.

ken725

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.

3rdGenerationBlue

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.

810steveo

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