TE Nic DiLillo (official thread)

[ryan20]

Joe Staley was 6-5/6-6 220 coming into his freshman year in college. Any chance that with Nic's blocking mentallity that he cloud slide down? Often times it seems that converted tight ends (like there was talk with Andy Miller) that he could turn into a very agile blocking tackle. It looks like with that frame he could bulk up.

[CausticMick]

Originally Posted by sandgk

Also, that 5.0 - 40 report is from an earlier combine is it not?
Besides which, you have game speed, track speed and small burst speed (the 40 yard dash or shuttle). Some kids have good to great game speed and yet never seem to put up flashy 40 yard dash times.

Fo sho... game speed is VERY underrated.

[CausticMick]

Originally Posted by ryan20

Joe Staley was 6-5/6-6 220 coming into his freshman year in college. Any chance that with Nic's blocking mentallity that he cloud slide down? Often times it seems that converted tight ends (like there was talk with Andy Miller) that he could turn into a very agile blocking tackle. It looks like with that frame he could bulk up.

Gallery-esque?

[wadc45]

Originally Posted by ryan20

Joe Staley was 6-5/6-6 220 coming into his freshman year in college. Any chance that with Nic's blocking mentallity that he cloud slide down? Often times it seems that converted tight ends (like there was talk with Andy Miller) that he could turn into a very agile blocking tackle. It looks like with that frame he could bulk up.

I always thought Miller would slide down to tackle...as well as RJ Coleman. I don't see that in Nic's future, but I could be wrong. That is just my take on things.

[Messi18Man]

Congrats to Nic, happy to see that we finally landed a TE after losing out on some good looking TE Prospects. Look forward to seeing him don the scarlet and gray.

[gbearbuck]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

Not to get off topic, but it has noted that the staff intends to use Stoneburner as a WR. Nic is our pure TE for this class...

details, details...

[tibor75]

Originally Posted by wadc45

I always thought Miller would slide down to tackle...as well as RJ Coleman. I don't see that in Nic's future, but I could be wrong. That is just my take on things.

why didn't RJ Coleman pan out?

[goodguy]

Originally Posted by tibor75

why didn't RJ Coleman pan out?

Injury

[wadc45]

Originally Posted by tibor75

why didn't RJ Coleman pan out?

Tweener...never settled in at TE or at OT...not athletic enough to play TE and never got big enough to be an effective OT. Eventually injuries forced him out of football, although he remained on scholarship (but didn't count against the 85 limit) because he was granted a medical waiver. My understanding is that the staff is trying not to make that mistake again, which is why they were adamant that both Ballard and Miller would remain at TE. Every time we recruit a 250+ lbs TE everyone assume it is because they are going to slide down to tackle. That worked for Barton, but does not work for most. Probably also why you see most people saying that Stoney is a WR in this class and DiLillo is the only true TE.

[wadc45]

Hopefully this puts to rest the ideas that A) DiLillo was a Plan B guy B) DiLillo can't stretch the field C) DiLillo could end up at OT D) DiLillo will be nothing more than a 6th OL at OSU:

From Duane Long's top 100:

I recently watched Nic Dilillo?s junior tape. I was impressed with him as a receiver. He catches anything he can reach. He has a long lean body, perfect for packing on the right kind of weight. He is bigger than last year. Not just heavier but he looks taller. I see him blossoming as an athlete. He is the one of the four tight ends we are talking about that is most football ready to play. He is right at home working the middle of the field like a classic tight end. He runs the routes that you need a tight end to run. The short underneath stuff, the button hooks and such that are the meat and potatoes of the tight end position. He plays physical. He seems to relish that part of the game. He knows what to do with it after the catch. He gets north and south quickly. We started talking about alot of juniors early. There are a number of names out there but the ones that are not getting the attention they deserve are Nathan Williams, Justin Staples and Nic Dilillo. The coaching staffs have noticed him. Dilillo has been a guest of Ohio State, Michigan and Pitt. If he runs great at combines this summer his stock will soar. That is something he is aware of and working hard on. Dilillo will have no problem qualifying.

[buckeyes_rock]

The News-Herald - DiLillo to OSU; West G loses King

Tidbit from the local paper about Nic. Sounds like he's been scarlet and grey from the get-go.

[PapaBucks]

I want to jump in here and congratulate Nic. Welcome aboard!!!

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by ryan20

Weighed in at a Rivals combine at 219 in March. I would think hes put on a few pounds since then. But he isnt 245.... yet.

Post #75 of this thread by dozerbuck says he weighed 246 in March...

[WiseBuck]

Nic, you did the right thing. You protected yourself and got the offer you always wanted. You have great support here. Fool them all now - have a better career than Rudolph, Koger, Moore, and Ayles. Show 'em what you are made of. JT now owes you. He'll make it up to you. Maybe you'll do a few less gassers thanthe rest. Have a great Buckeye career!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sandgk]

Originally Posted by buckeyes_rock

The News-Herald - DiLillo to OSU; West G loses King

Tidbit from the local paper about Nic. Sounds like he's been scarlet and grey from the get-go.

This is the telling quote ...

"This was the goal from Day 1, and I told people that for an Ohio boy like me, there is no way to turn down a chance to play at Ohio State," DiLillo said. "Just about anybody would have done the same thing if they had the chance."