'16 TN ATH Darel Middleton (Tennessee signee)

#526
#526
Hate to say it... But besides being bigger than everyone else, he's done nothing to be noticed. He has the one catch and hasn't been involved in any other plays on either side of the ball.
 
#528
#528
This is the kind of guy that wins championships. Coaches know that and that is why he is committed.
 
#529
#529
you said:
This is the kind of guy that wins championships. Coaches know that and that is why he is committed.
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I've never seen someone tap out so much in my life. His team lost the game and he was a complete non factor. I would think a guy like that would be a factor in a two point back and forth game.
 
#530
#530
Serenadium51 said:
I heard the kid murdered like 12 people last week fwiw
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Can he play on the OL or DL?
:rock:

Just read the rest of the thread. This guy seems like problem. Who knows but coaches will figure out what the real deal is good or bad.
 
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#531
#531
gobigorange11 said:
I've never seen someone tap out so much in my life. His team lost the game and he was a complete non factor. I would think a guy like that would be a factor in a two point back and forth game.
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Here are his stats from the loss to Central:

4 catches for 52 yards
2 tackles
1 forced fumble

Now here are some stats that won't show up on the stat sheet. In addition to tapping out multiple times in the game, he had two really bad (and untimely) penalties. The first was for taunting/unsportsmanlike conduct, after he decleated a guy during a long running play for Powell. The entire play and long gain was wiped out.

The second penalty came at a very key moment late in the 4th quarter. With Central ahead 37-35, the Bobcats had possession near midfield with about 2 minutes to play. On 2nd and 20, Central's QB (Kirby) dropped back to pass, Middleton blitzed from his OLB spot, but completely overpursued and lost contain on the QB, who took off for a 13 yard gain. Middleton was actually able to run him down and punch the ball out (however, it bounced out of bounds). Powell used their final timeout after 3rd down. On fourth down near the Powell 35, Central decided to go for it rather than punt. The Bobcats ran a reverse, but Middleton did a good job reading the play. In attempting to tackle the receiver who had the football, he grabbed his facemask. Ball game.

I think he also was called for holding/block in the back on another long run, but I can't remember for sure.
 
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#532
#532
tommotornado said:
I think he also was called for holding/block in the back on another long run, but I can't remember for sure.
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He was flagged on that play too.

I have to admit, I did see more "spunk" out of him Friday than I've seen in a while. I don't think he got along at all with the off coordinator who was fired. But, you are right in that he didn't have a huge impact on the game other than the penalties that were very costly. Killed a drive that might have resulted in a score since we got deep into their territory.

The one item that continues to drive me crazy is his laziness. He was the last one on the field for warmups. Then he was taken out of the game, and he casually jogged off and was not off the field when the ball was snapped. We were lucky we didn't get a flag.

My son told me he was complaining loudly about being taken out of the game.

His taunting penalty was disgusting. He pancaked a kid and walked up and stood directly over him staring him down for about 10 seconds. It negated a huge play.

There's no question when he is motivated, he can dominate. But his attitude generally overrides his athletic ability. Running Kirby down at the end of the game was an example of what he is capable of. If he could just get his head right, he will be great. Hopefully maturity will take care of this, but it hasn't happened yet.
 
#533
#533
We need this guy... One of the best in the state. Dooley's VFL program will clean up his attitude.
 
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#535
#535
If Butch can keep him disciplined on and off the field, then I think his swagger will be great to have. Especially on defense. Kid just seems pissed off all the time. I don't mind that in a football player.

I'll trust Butch with this one. He gets too out of hand Butch won't have a problem benching him or even kicking him off the team. By 2016 we won't NEED him, but he would be a great addition non the less.
 
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#536
#536
Smokeytom said:
If Butch can keep him disciplined on and off the field, then I think his swagger will be great to have. Especially on defense. Kid just seems pissed off all the time. I don't mind that in a football player.

I'll trust Butch with this one. He gets too out of hand Butch won't have a problem benching him or even kicking him off the team. By 2016 we won't NEED him, but he would be a great addition non the less.
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I completely agree. I don't like the reports of the kid being lazy, but I like having guys on defense with nasty attitudes.
 
#537
#537
delfonic said:
I completely agree. I don't like the reports of the kid being lazy, but I like having guys on defense with nasty attitudes.
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Where are you getting the idea that he is nasty?

I don't think he is near nasty enough. If he were, he would not take off plays and not block people. He would look to destroy everyone in his path, but he simply doesn't. He is very apathetic. With his size and speed, he should be leaving a wake of bodies on the field. Nobody matches up with him physically, but he doesn't dominate physically.

He needs to get a lot nastier.
 
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#538
#538
What is the possibility that this kid academically qualifies? I know we have a couple of years to get there but rumors are that it ain't going to happen.
 
#539
#539
I honestly don't know about his grades. Hopefully he is acutely aware of the academic standards required to be admitted and is working hard.
 
#541
#541
tommotornado said:
From what I understand, grades are definitely an issue here.
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Being a 16 you would be amazed at how much can be done to get him qualified academically. It's the older guys the NCAA makes it tough on. My guess is he will get plenty of help making it in with 3 yrs to figure it out.
 
#543
#543
For the first time this season Darel showed his potential as a football player in the win against previously unbeaten Anderson County. I've been critical of him as some of you guys have, but if we are going to criticize him, we need to give him props when deserved, too. Powell doesn't win that game Friday night without him.

Hopefully that performance will get him jump started in the right direction.
 
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#544
#544
TennesseeThumper said:
For the first time this season Darel showed his potential as a football player in the win against previously unbeaten Anderson County. I've been critical of him as some of you guys have, but if we are going to criticize him, we need to give him props when deserved, too. Powell doesn't win that game Friday night without him.

Hopefully that performance will get him jump started in the right direction.
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Agreed. He came up big on offense and defense (3 catches for 103 yards and a handful of tackles), but more importantly, he took a huge step forward mentally. He was engaged with his teammates throughout the night, and what a difference that made. Looked like a totally different kid on the field Friday night.
 
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#546
#546
Agreed - he looked more motivated than I've ever seen him. That is a great sign going forward.

He made two great catches where he went up and got the ball. Ownby basically threw them up for grabs because he had confidence Middleton would come down with it. They were momentum changers.
 
#547
#547
Great to hear! Hopefully he sees all the positives that come with a great attitude and continues to mature.
 
#550
#550
I want to commend this young man for taking a huge step this last Friday to help his team. It is important that he recognizes what his potential can be.
 
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