'14 FL LB Dillon Bates (UT Signee 2/5/14)

[OddFuture]

Thomas Davis isn't a "slow slugger" - he was a college safety who ran a 4.6 40 at the combine, and keeps making plays like this at age 30 despite three ACL surgeries in the same knee: Thomas Davis Interception

Slow linebackers also don't rack up 17 tackles in one game against a quarterback like Tom Brady.

Yes, he is. He plays a lot of DE on passing downs, because while he's shifty and can get into the backfield, he's not great in coverage anymore. That was an excellent athletic interception, but notice, he was playing DE on that play. Here's a similar play that Beason made earlier in the year:
LB Jon Beason intercepts Scott Tolzien

Just because a guy used to play S, doesn't mean he was or is great in pass coverage in the NFL. I watch at the very minimum of 2 Panthers games a year, probably 3-5 in reality and this is JMO.

Can we just drop the whole NFL talk, I'm sure nobody wants to hear it? I was just staying my opinion and why, and it got into a whole debate.

 

[PowerOrange]

An athletic 6'3 230 lb linebacker that excels in pass coverage to the point he could be a safety? Sounds like Keith Bullock to me.

 

[Wilson27]

I guess the NCAA would frown on Bates receiving a shipment of ensure from an alumnus huh?

 

[SaguaroVols]

I think he can compare to a healthy Jon Beason (hasn't been healthy in years). Can play OLB or MLB in a 4-3, nice speed/coverage combo.

I actually think his top end potential compares better with Brian Cushing for the reasons you stated. Slightly less athletic but very versatile. Just needs to add more strength.

 

[OddFuture]

I actually think his top end potential compares better with Brian Cushing for the reasons you stated. Slightly less athletic but very versatile. Just needs to add more strength.

If healthy, Cushing is a great LB. Elite in the NFL. I like the comparison a lot.

 

[JAllen18]

Back to Dillon Bates. He's an ideal OLB. Think Derrick Brooks. Derrick Brooks was a killer getting INT's covering the TE's.

 

[OddFuture]

Back to Dillon Bates. He's an ideal OLB. Think Derrick Brooks. Derrick Brooks was a killer getting INT's covering the TE's.

You said back to DB then progressed to compare him to NFL players (what you were trying to stray the conversation away from?). I'm confused here

 

[chavisut]

.

 

[OddFuture]

What's with the less athletic talk?

I would say being slightly less athletic than Cushing is a compliment for a senior in HS (unless he was comparing potential). You're right though, Dillon might be the most athletic LB in this class.

 

[chavisut]

I would say being slightly less athletic than Cushing is a compliment for a senior in HS (unless he was comparing potential). You're right though, Dillon might be the most athletic LB in this class.

I read it differently the first time.

 

[OddFuture]

I read it differently the first time.

Yeah I thought so. I saw you delete your post. Less athletic and Dillon Bates don't normally go together

 

[Escape Goat]

What was Bates OFFICIAL height and weight at the bowl game? Something tells me it's no where near what his recruiting page lists him as.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

What was Bates OFFICIAL height and weight at the bowl game? Something tells me it's no where near what his recruiting page lists him as.

He was 6'3 218lbs at the opening I believe.

 

[SaguaroVols]

Yeah I thought so. I saw you delete your post. Less athletic and Dillon Bates don't normally go together

Cushing is a genetic freak. He and Watt are two of the most athletic players in the NFL .

 

[Madkins8]

He was 6'3 218lbs at the opening I believe.

6'3" 211

Here are the Combine numbers for our commits (plus Adoree) from The Opening.

 

[stewart6600]

6'3" 211

Here are the Combine numbers for our commits (plus Adoree) from The Opening.

4.51-40 time is impressive for a Lb.

 

[Wilson27]

Anyone that can hop like that tends to want to show it off with dunking skills. Keep this kid and his vertical off the basketball court.

 

[Madkins8]

4.51-40 time is impressive for a Lb.

It is all impressive. Outside of his weight, he is Blue Chip in every measurable category.

Fastest LB at The Opening, 39" Vert (the entire camp seemed inflated), and the same shuttle as Adoree Jackson.

 

[VolinArizona]

Good Lawd Bates is a freak

 

[GBO128]

Reminds me of one of my all-time favorites, Raynoch Thompson.

 

[engineerVOL]

It is all impressive. Outside of his weight, he is Blue Chip in every measurable category.

Fastest LB at The Opening, 39" Vert (the entire camp seemed inflated), and the same shuttle as Adoree Jackson.

Incredible really.

 

[engineerVOL]

I'm glad to see Josh Malone checked in over 190 pounds as well. Another 5-10 pounds and he's gonna be a hard guy to bring down for little corners.

 

[tim]

Bill Bates the finished product, not Bill Bates the walk-on freshman, right?

Right, the bad ass one.

 

[I4Jay]

Bates is like Telvin Smith from FSU

 

[RockyTop22]

4.51-40 time is impressive for a Lb.

Has a higher SPARQ score than Adoree. This kid is gonna be special. 6'3" runs a 4.5 with almost a 40 inch vertical. If he adds about 15-20 lbs he will dominate college football.