When Riley originally found DiCaprio at the satellite camp, I remember not being overly impressed by the kids Junior film. I reserved my criticism though considering a 30 year college football coach offered on the spot. But for this past year, I never took much stock in his presence on the commit list.
However, after watching his Senior film again, I'm pretty sure I made a big mistake in my assessment. The most impressive thing about DiCaprio is his speed. He posted electronic track times of 10.64 in the 100 and 21.36 in the 200. But speed doesn't always translate to the football field. In his situation, thats not the case. DiCaprio is a HELLUVA tackler. He tackles like former Husker Dejon Gomes. But unlike Gomes, who was a 4.6 guy, DiCaprio explodes through ball carriers with the aid of his speed.
Bootle is fundamentally exceptional with his ability to get low and wrap up. It's uncanny how well he tackles. He has fantastic body control and instincts. He also rips through blocks at the point of attack and is tenacious in pursuit. This type of skill set excites me for a couple of reasons.
1. In the Big Ten, corners must be physical. Bootle is clearly not scared to mix it up.
2. In this scheme, the corners better be able to make tackles because they're often on an island.
3. We all joke about college football announcers talking about white football players who say stuff like, "he plays hard, and has a real nose for the football. He's a real gym rat." Etc... Etc. Well Bootle does have a nose for the ball and diagnoses action quickly. That's an underrated skill in football. But, he processes things while also possessing 4.4 speed and a 38 inch vertical.
This kid is going to surprise a lot of fans.
However, after watching his Senior film again, I'm pretty sure I made a big mistake in my assessment. The most impressive thing about DiCaprio is his speed. He posted electronic track times of 10.64 in the 100 and 21.36 in the 200. But speed doesn't always translate to the football field. In his situation, thats not the case. DiCaprio is a HELLUVA tackler. He tackles like former Husker Dejon Gomes. But unlike Gomes, who was a 4.6 guy, DiCaprio explodes through ball carriers with the aid of his speed.
Bootle is fundamentally exceptional with his ability to get low and wrap up. It's uncanny how well he tackles. He has fantastic body control and instincts. He also rips through blocks at the point of attack and is tenacious in pursuit. This type of skill set excites me for a couple of reasons.
1. In the Big Ten, corners must be physical. Bootle is clearly not scared to mix it up.
2. In this scheme, the corners better be able to make tackles because they're often on an island.
3. We all joke about college football announcers talking about white football players who say stuff like, "he plays hard, and has a real nose for the football. He's a real gym rat." Etc... Etc. Well Bootle does have a nose for the ball and diagnoses action quickly. That's an underrated skill in football. But, he processes things while also possessing 4.4 speed and a 38 inch vertical.
This kid is going to surprise a lot of fans.
