Probable New Lion
Likely Lion Nick Mistretta (CREDIT: Scout.com)
The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that Nick Mistretta is indeed coming to Columbia, I just don't have any other confirmation right now.
Here's a profile of Mistretta from Scout.Com
Here's how the Star-Ledger profiled him yesterday:
"A leader on both sides for the team that finished No. 1 in the Star-Ledger Top 20, won the Non-Public, Group 4 title and was 12-0. He was a huge part of the offensive line as it helped backs to 2,536 yards rushing and quarterbacks to 1,576 passing. As a linebacker, he had 52 tackles and two interceptions."
Jake's Take: At 6"2 and 215 lbs, it's possible Mistretta will somehow become an offensive lineman for Columbia, but I'm thinking he may fit better as a defensive lineman right now.
Either way, it's great to get someone from a great Catholic High School program like Don Bosco. Hopefully, he'll be the first of many more.
posted by Jake @ 10:14:00 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
He is not going to be a D-1AA offensive lineman at 215 lbs and it is unlikely that he is going to be 270 lbs (or even 240 lbs) any time soon. Unless he grows a few inches, he would be hard pressed to raise his weight that much in a athletically productive way.
He is most likely going to be a 225-230 lb inside linebacker. The Lions need some BIG, STRONG linebackers who can take down a running back head on and who can shed big offensive guards to get to the play.
Agree. Nick has been described as a "beast." Just the sort of player you want at ILB.
-Dr. V
The Scout.com article about Nick Mistretta is dated August 7. I understand that he's somewhat bigger now. I agree with Dr. V that Mistretta is just the sort of player you want at ILB, but whatever position Nick plays at Columbia you can expect him to make an impact.
We need several more powerful players like Mistretta in next year's freshamn class to strengthen our defense against the inside running game and to put pressure on the quarterback If we get those guys, we will have a very strong "D" in 2008.
He comes from one of the premier hs programs in the country, a program that recruits players. He is a stud,a four year starter.
Nice to break into the private hunting ground of Penn and Harvard.
The interesting thing about Catholic high schools in NJ (and Don Bosco is really the only one at least in north Jersey which "recruits" to any real extent) is that they mainly play schedules of public school opponents. Only come the state-run playoffs do most of these schools ever play each other (and then provide the real showcase of their players for Penn and Harvard's coaching staffs).
rs
Actually, Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph and Don Bosco do play each other in the regular season.
Dr. V
There will be a lot of competition at the linebacking positions next year. Our current years freshman group have done well and should be bigger and faster next year. Its exciting to get a player like Nick. He'll need 20 - 25 pounds to play inside the tackles in our league.
I see Mistretta as a Schmidt type DE
not sure about his football talents but he is dead ringer for the kid that was on the Sopranos a few years ago. Don Bosco is the real deal in hs football so he must be a good player. Let's not forget Wiley came to CU at 190 and left at 270--I'm hoping that was genetics and hard work in the weight room..
Meanwhile, catch this write-up of Nico Papas when he was recently selected for an All-Star team.
NICO PAPAS
BB&N The 6-foot, 230-pound senior was impressive on both sides of the ball. He led the team in tackles with 75 and added four sacks. A productive fullback, Papas averaged nearly 8 yards a carry and led the team in receptions with 22 for 412 yards and nine touchdowns. Papas leaves BB&N as the all-time leader in tackles with 202. He will play football at Columbia
That pic looks like a mug shot!
Either way, looks like a good recruit for the squad...
Physical talent is a must, but success
also requires toughness, both physical and mental.
If the recruits mentioned and others have it, then maybe the Lions can begin to rise next season, Here' hoping.
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