IrishAddiction
The wa wa wa waterboy
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big fast and athletic... this guy is going to turn some heads when he gets into South Bend. Think he will work really well in CB's new 3-4 defense..
'08 IL OLB Darius Fleming (Signed LOI to ND)
- Thread starter Irish Envy
- Start date
johnnd05
Johnny T. works for me
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This is a bit old, but I don't think we've linked to it before ...
Sun-Times spotlight: Darius Fleming SENIOR | DEFENSIVE LINEMAN | 6-3 | 235 | ST. RITA
<!-- Article Publsih Date -->
August 24, 2007
<!-- Article By Line --> BY TAYLOR BELL
<!-- Article's First Paragraph -->
As the No. 1 player on the state's No. 1 team, do you feel pressure? Not at all. It's not where you start, but where you finish. It just matters that we're on top in November.
What is your best memory of 2006? Seeing how happy the coaches were after we won state. It is cool to see how the coaches react after we accomplish something. I hope to see that same look this year.
What is the difference between Darius Fleming of 2006 and 2007? I'm more intelligent with the game now. I'm stronger, bigger and faster. People will see that I'm more physical. My goal is to make 15 or more sacks.
Why did you choose Notre Dame? When I visited there, I knew from the start I wanted to go there. I knew some guys like Demetrius Jones, but I felt comfortable with kids I didn't even know. And the tradition is unbelievable.
<!-- start sidebar -->
What about St. Rita's tradition? I don't know about the 1963 national championship team. The 1971 team is our role model. I see Dennis Lick all the time. And I've heard about Billy Marek. Coach talks about them, how they pushed themselves. It motivates us.
If you weren't a football player, what would you be? A professional bowler. I bowl in high school. I average 200-plus with a high game of 279 and a high series of 673. It is the most physical sport you can play without touching someone.
What is the key to repeating as state champion? We must play every team like they are ranked No. 1. We can't be big-headed. We've got to play every game like it is our last, even better than we played in the state final last year.
Which teammates impress you the most? Offensive tackle Kevin Galeher and quarterback Jason Kafka, who was a wide receiver last year. Going against them every day in practice has made me a better player. Jason will be a big key, like Peter Balsam last year.
Do you have less time for horses? I grew up around horses. Some kids like cats or dogs. I like horses. Riding or grooming horses is the most fun I have outside of football. They are an hour away in Crete. I get a kick out of taking my buddies out there.
Who is your favorite teacher? Mrs. Maureen Pangrazio, my science teacher. When she sees something is wrong, if you're having a rough day, she takes you aside and talks to you. She goes to all the sports events and makes posters for the teams.
What have you learned from coach Todd Kuska? If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am now. He inspired and motivated me. In eighth grade, I didn't know where I wanted to go to high school. He made me want to go to St. Rita. He brought me up to the varsity as a sophomore and said I had potential to do something in football.
Sun-Times spotlight: Darius Fleming SENIOR | DEFENSIVE LINEMAN | 6-3 | 235 | ST. RITA
<!-- Article Publsih Date -->
August 24, 2007
<!-- Article By Line --> BY TAYLOR BELL
<!-- Article's First Paragraph -->
As the No. 1 player on the state's No. 1 team, do you feel pressure? Not at all. It's not where you start, but where you finish. It just matters that we're on top in November.
What is your best memory of 2006? Seeing how happy the coaches were after we won state. It is cool to see how the coaches react after we accomplish something. I hope to see that same look this year.
What is the difference between Darius Fleming of 2006 and 2007? I'm more intelligent with the game now. I'm stronger, bigger and faster. People will see that I'm more physical. My goal is to make 15 or more sacks.
Why did you choose Notre Dame? When I visited there, I knew from the start I wanted to go there. I knew some guys like Demetrius Jones, but I felt comfortable with kids I didn't even know. And the tradition is unbelievable.
<!-- start sidebar -->
What about St. Rita's tradition? I don't know about the 1963 national championship team. The 1971 team is our role model. I see Dennis Lick all the time. And I've heard about Billy Marek. Coach talks about them, how they pushed themselves. It motivates us.
If you weren't a football player, what would you be? A professional bowler. I bowl in high school. I average 200-plus with a high game of 279 and a high series of 673. It is the most physical sport you can play without touching someone.
What is the key to repeating as state champion? We must play every team like they are ranked No. 1. We can't be big-headed. We've got to play every game like it is our last, even better than we played in the state final last year.
Which teammates impress you the most? Offensive tackle Kevin Galeher and quarterback Jason Kafka, who was a wide receiver last year. Going against them every day in practice has made me a better player. Jason will be a big key, like Peter Balsam last year.
Do you have less time for horses? I grew up around horses. Some kids like cats or dogs. I like horses. Riding or grooming horses is the most fun I have outside of football. They are an hour away in Crete. I get a kick out of taking my buddies out there.
Who is your favorite teacher? Mrs. Maureen Pangrazio, my science teacher. When she sees something is wrong, if you're having a rough day, she takes you aside and talks to you. She goes to all the sports events and makes posters for the teams.
What have you learned from coach Todd Kuska? If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am now. He inspired and motivated me. In eighth grade, I didn't know where I wanted to go to high school. He made me want to go to St. Rita. He brought me up to the varsity as a sophomore and said I had potential to do something in football.
johnnd05
Johnny T. works for me
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No. 1 St. Rita 38, De La Salle 15
Records: St. Rita 2-0, De La Salle 1-1
Summary: No problem for the Mustangs, who were up 31-7 by halftime at De La Salle in this non-conference game. Daniel Dispensa got things going with a TD on a 9-yard run on St. Rita's first possession. DeMarcus Douglas followed with a 3-yard TD run for a 14-0 lead.
Top performers: St. Rita—QB Jason Kafka, 5-for-7 for 141 yards, one TD, and 6 carries, 80 yards, TD (43); Douglas, 5 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs. De La Salle—QB Elliot Brown, 6 carries, 104 yards, TD (20); RB Cordero Gaston, 13 carries, 35 yards, TD.
Extra point: "St. Rita focuses on getting better every week," Mustangs DE Darius Fleming said.
Records: St. Rita 2-0, De La Salle 1-1
Summary: No problem for the Mustangs, who were up 31-7 by halftime at De La Salle in this non-conference game. Daniel Dispensa got things going with a TD on a 9-yard run on St. Rita's first possession. DeMarcus Douglas followed with a 3-yard TD run for a 14-0 lead.
Top performers: St. Rita—QB Jason Kafka, 5-for-7 for 141 yards, one TD, and 6 carries, 80 yards, TD (43); Douglas, 5 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs. De La Salle—QB Elliot Brown, 6 carries, 104 yards, TD (20); RB Cordero Gaston, 13 carries, 35 yards, TD.
Extra point: "St. Rita focuses on getting better every week," Mustangs DE Darius Fleming said.
Ultimate Penn St. Hater
Go Irish!
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Definately sounds like an ND guy.
johnnd05
Johnny T. works for me
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Per the Chicago Tribune, Darius's team is ranked #10 in the nation by SI and Rivals and #2 in the Midwest by Rivals.
johnnd05
Johnny T. works for me
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Looks like Fleming sat out last Friday's game with a knee injury. He's expected to be back for the playoffs, though.
Epitome
Delany's Chamber Maid
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Darius also went out with a bang last night. Can't wait until his first three sack game at ND.
ESPN 150 defensive end Darius Fleming got to the opposing quarterback for three sacks, but it was not enough to prevent Wheaton Warrenville South (Ill.) from prevailing 26-22.
The Notre Dame commit was humble in his team's loss, and wishes the opposition the best, "that was a great team we played tonight, and I hope they win the state title," writes the Chicago Tribune.
ESPN 150 defensive end Darius Fleming got to the opposing quarterback for three sacks, but it was not enough to prevent Wheaton Warrenville South (Ill.) from prevailing 26-22.
The Notre Dame commit was humble in his team's loss, and wishes the opposition the best, "that was a great team we played tonight, and I hope they win the state title," writes the Chicago Tribune.
irish4ever
Well-known member
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F
fwirish24
Guest
short article on Darius
Rivals.com Football Recruiting - Fleming excited to pay with future teammates
Rivals.com Football Recruiting - Fleming excited to pay with future teammates
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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According to CW Darius is a great bowler and it's probably his best sport/game. He said he has bowled a 300 and he generally bowls in the high 270's or the low 280's.
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Invited to the NFL combine per twitter.
4irishnation
New member
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Happy to hear, good for him
Te'o4Heisman
Well-known member
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I could see Darius becoming one of those guys who ends up a better NFL player than he was college. He was solid at ND, but for one reason or another never seemed to take that next step that everybody kept expecting from him. Not sure why, but I just have that feeling he may take that next step in the league.
NDPhilly
Philly Torqued
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Idk if he has the size or speed to be effective in the NFL. He is 6'1" which isn't terrible. I always thought he ran a 4.6 until that interception against Stanford where he got chased down badly by TE Coby Fleener who runs a reported 4.75.
Te'o4Heisman
Well-known member
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DJ Williams is 6'1. So is Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, Navarro Bowman, EJ Henderson, Paul Posluszny, AJ Hawk and many others. London Fletcher is 5'10., . Not saying Darius will approach the level of success that these guys have had just that I could easily see him being a better pro than he was a college player.
NDPhilly
Philly Torqued
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Those are all MLBs except DJ Williams who ran a 4.45 at his pro day. Unless Fleming gets significantly faster or much more instinctive I just don't see him being a starting quality player.
Sherm Sticky
The Prophet
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Fleming should go some where around rounds 4-6
dublinirish
Everestt Gholstonson
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i think he will go undrafted but hopefully will make a team as a FA
Sherm Sticky
The Prophet
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Read my statement above! He is projected to be a 4th-6th round pic. Barring any injuries, fingers crossed, I'll be all my vBucks he gets drafted.
SoIll
Licensed to Ill
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you called it.. my 49ers just drafted him in the 5th
Chamellion
New member
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Darius and Ian reunited
Sherm Sticky
The Prophet
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My 49ers also!
Riddickulous
"That" Guy
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Actually, it was a torn ACL.
NDdomer2
Local Sports vBookie
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He tore his acl like two days later.