Dumervil has sacks appeal - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 06-03-2006, 01:17 AM

Dumervil has sacks appeal

Elvis Dumervil led Division I-A last season with 20 sacks.STORY TOOLS
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By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News
June 2, 2006
ENGLEWOOD - He won't blink, not once. No, Elvis Dumervil will stand tall, look people squarely in the eye and tell them he believes he can make it in the NFL.
Well, now, that's the problem. At 5-foot-11 3/8, Dumervil can look plenty of regular folks squarely in the eye.

And when the league's personnel gurus are sorting the predraft laundry, the ruler often makes the call. Five-eleven and change might be just fine for someone hunting an off-the-rack suit, but for those grading pass rushers, not so much.

"But I think the game of football is played on the field," Dumervil said. "I'm not 6-6 or whatever a defensive end is supposed to be. So it just gives people a little doubt. That's OK with me, it really is. I have no problem with that, and I don't expect to be able to change much. I'm not going to grow all that much.

"But I've always been a guy that proves people wrong. I look forward doing it at this level."

Dumervil, the only defensive player the Denver Broncos selected in the April draft, found himself in the either-or position as he waited to hear his name on selection weekend. Scouts and personnel directors either believed his sacks totals or could see only his height.

And sacks being sacks, the gold in the hills that defenses are constantly searching for, some teams had Dumervil rated as high as a late second-round pick.

In 2005, he became the third player in the history of the University of Louisville football program to be chosen a first-team Associated Press All-American.

He led all pass rushers in Division I-A with 20 sacks after recording 10 sacks in 2004. At Miami Jackson High School, hearing questions even then about his height, Dumervil made a head- shaking 30 sacks in successive seasons.

"You don't get (78) sacks in high school and be one of the leading sack guys in college just from talent," Broncos linebacker Al Wilson said. "You have to know how to get the quarterback and know how to pass rush, and this guy knows how to do it. If he continues to learn and stays focused, listen to the guys around him, takes coaching well, he can be a force to be reckoned with. . . .

"(Scouts) measure how big a guy's hands are and his feet are, but that don't mean a thing on Sunday."

Some around the league didn't care to look past Dumervil's stature when they set the draft boards, so they had him rated for the sixth round. The Broncos split the difference, grabbing Dumervil in the fourth round with the 126th pick.

The Broncos saw the sacks and a player whose arm span is, as Dumervil said, that of someone "about 6-4, 6-5, so that's a little different.

"But I was sitting there and I was surprised the whole time," he said. "I was definitely surprised, I definitely thought I'd be a first-day guy. Indianapolis was talking to me in the third (round) and said they were going to take me, but they took someone else instead (San Diego State outside linebacker Freddie Keiaho).

"But I'm happy to be in the position I'm in, being here in Denver. I've just always been blessed to find good spots, to find good situations for me. Things work out; they have before. I'll just work hard and see what happens."

After all, Dumervil has seen it before. He was ready to play for Florida when he finished his high school career.

But when Steve Spurrier left the Gators for the Washington Redskins, so did Dumervil's chance to play defensive end in Gainesville. So Dumervil was left searching for a school that would keep him at end.

He ended up at Louisville, which, at the time, featured De- wayne White, the school's all-time sacks leader with 37 1/2, at defensive end.

White, a 6-2 273-pounder now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also was considered an undersized pass rusher at the time.

"Dewayne was a big reason I ended up at Louisville," Dumervil said. "(Former Louisville coach) John L. Smith recruited me, and he was going to let me play at defensive end. A lot of schools weren't going to let me play at defensive end, but coach Spurrier was and coach Smith was.

"But I definitely wanted to be an end. I kept my eyes on Dwight Freeney at Syracuse. He was about my size, so I knew it could be done. I had that motivation."

University of Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt, a longtime NFL coach and defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys when they won the first of three Super Bowls in the 1990s, has lauded Dumervil's instincts.

After facing Dumervil last season, Wannstedt noted the player's height has forced him to have a more complete package of moves to beat opposing linemen.

While many college ends simply rely on a speed rush to sprint around the outside shoulder of the opposing tackle, Dumervil also can work to the inside and varies his approach.

"He's got the potential to be a great pass rusher in the NFL," Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "You can see the technique and some of the fundamental things he's worked on. He's a polished player. They made a great decision to draft him."

"You've got to get off the ball," Dumervil said. "As long as you can beat your lineman, you use your technique before he can use his technique. I've got a couple moves; I like to bait the tackles sometimes. But you have to look at what he gives you and go from there. It's all about mind games, too."

The Broncos have seen enough to already have Dumervil working at defensive tackle in their nickel package. With his speed off the ball, Dumervil could be a difficult matchup for opposing guards.

"I did it a little in college, not too much," Dumervil said. "They really did their homework if they saw the plays where I was at tackle. But whatever I can do, I'll do. That's what I'm about."

legwoldj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2359

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...747952,00.html

Bob's your Information Minister · 06-03-2006, 01:29 AM

Sacks appeal?

*groan*

Clockwork Orange · 06-03-2006, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

Sacks appeal?

*groan*

You're just disappointed that it wasn't the kind of sacks you were hoping for.

bcbronc · 06-03-2006, 02:21 AM

it will be interesting to see how he plays out as a nickle DT. if he can give us an inside pass rush on 3rd and longs, that would be a huge boost. if he can add 4 or 5 sacks as a rookie, i'd be a pretty happy camper.

Lestat · 06-03-2006, 02:23 AM

count me as worried about the DT thing but who knows, if it's nickel he could hold up well enough at 258 to not get mauled by OL

Atlas · 06-03-2006, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcbronc

it will be interesting to see how he plays out as a nickle DT. if he can give us an inside pass rush on 3rd and longs, that would be a huge boost. if he can add 4 or 5 sacks as a rookie, i'd be a pretty happy camper.

He is going to have 16 sacks this year

CBF1 · 06-03-2006, 05:11 AM

Bob likes sacks on his chin.

crazyhorse · 06-03-2006, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBF1

Bob likes sacks on his chin.

Your homosexual way of thinking, seems to be a common personality trait amongst Donk fans.

What do you make of that?

PatsWin2002 · 06-03-2006, 06:03 AM

Every time I see "Dumervil" I think it's a Merck pharmaceutical or something.

I wonder if it cures anything.

Bob's your Information Minister · 06-03-2006, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Your homosexual way of thinking, seems to be a common personality trait amongst Donk fans.

What do you make of that?

For some reason this board can't stop making gay comments about me.

baja · 06-03-2006, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Your homosexual way of thinking, seems to be a common personality trait amongst Donk fans.

What do you make of that?

Are you shopping?

crazyhorse · 06-03-2006, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baja fan

Are you shopping?

See what I mean?

-Slap- · 06-03-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsWin2002

Every time I see "Dumervil" I think it's a Merck pharmaceutical or something.

I wonder if it cures anything.

Third down conversions.

-Slap- · 06-03-2006, 08:59 AM

For people worried about Elvis' strength, he looks plenty strong here, splitting a double team against North Carolina.

They probably should have keyed the fullback on him, too, because he had three sacks and two forced fumbles in this game.

ludo21 · 06-03-2006, 09:01 AM

Im excited for this guy, altho these are all fluf pieces at this time of year, it still is exciting to have a guy that knows how to get to the QB. Now the question, is, can he do it at this level. Man I hope so!

-Slap- · 06-03-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

He led all pass rushers in Division I-A with 20 sacks after recording 10 sacks in 2004. At Miami Jackson High School, hearing questions even then about his height, Dumervil made a head- shaking 30 sacks in successive seasons.

Oh, one 30 sack season in high school wasn't enough. He did it two years straight.

cutthemdown · 06-03-2006, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lestat

count me as worried about the DT thing but who knows, if it's nickel he could hold up well enough at 258 to not get mauled by OL

in nickle defense more then likely its 3rd and long. With our speed on defense we can put small pass rushers in at tackle and get away with it. Go ahead and try to run into our linebacking in that situation. Don't read to much into a package that prob is for 3rd and long obvious passing downs.

Florida_Bronco · 06-03-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

For some reason this board can't stop making gay comments about me.

With the quote in my sig, is it any wonder?

Come on Bob, let's be real. Whether they were joking or not, you've made many homosexual comments on this board. Does the USS Alabama reference come to mind here?

Don't play stupid.

watermock · 06-03-2006, 10:40 AM

Impressive photo. If he plays over his size like Al Wilson and DWill, we will have gotten a steal. Both Rhino and Big Money like him. All we need from him this year is some 3rd down pressure.

He might be 5-11 but don't discount the & 3/8ths. He's virtually the same size as Rhino, who is a generous 6-0 and said he is 235 right now. Gold looked thicker last year as well. More like 225-230.

He dropped because of his size and 40 times, but for where we got him, I don't care if he can't chase wabbits, it's that anticipation and first step. I remember Alan Page and that guy would be off the ball before the QB got the snap but not offsides.

RMT · 06-03-2006, 11:01 AM

There's nothing like good sacks

azbroncfan · 06-03-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

For some reason this board can't stop making gay comments about me.

Might have to do about all your gay comments, going to gay bars to try and get chicks because if you can't find a chick there is a dude willing to break his dick off in your ass, etc.

watermock · 06-03-2006, 12:25 PM

I'm convinced Bob isn't gay, but that he is a masochist. Here is his webpage:

http://www.masochist.friendpages.com...geid=masochist

Eli_Cash · 06-03-2006, 01:49 PM

Don't discount the # of forced fumbles he had at the college level.

GreatBronco16 · 06-03-2006, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Your homosexual way of thinking, seems to be a common personality trait amongst Donk fans.

What do you make of that?

And yet, everytime a fag is thrown around on this board, you jump right in on top of him.

DivineLegion · 06-03-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

For people worried about Elvis' strength, he looks plenty strong here, splitting a double team against North Carolina.

They probably should have keyed the fullback on him, too, because he had three sacks and two forced fumbles in this game.

Thats the same UNC line that played VERY well against NC State...who had 3 D-Linemen go in the first round...

06-03-2006, 01:17 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,504 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Dumervil has sacks appeal Dumervil has sacks appeal Elvis Dumervil led Division I-A last season with 20 sacks.STORY TOOLS Email this story \| Print By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News June 2, 2006 ENGLEWOOD - He won't blink, not once. No, Elvis Dumervil will stand tall, look people squarely in the eye and tell them he believes he can make it in the NFL. Well, now, that's the problem. At 5-foot-11 3/8, Dumervil can look plenty of regular folks squarely in the eye. And when the league's personnel gurus are sorting the predraft laundry, the ruler often makes the call. Five-eleven and change might be just fine for someone hunting an off-the-rack suit, but for those grading pass rushers, not so much. "But I think the game of football is played on the field," Dumervil said. "I'm not 6-6 or whatever a defensive end is supposed to be. So it just gives people a little doubt. That's OK with me, it really is. I have no problem with that, and I don't expect to be able to change much. I'm not going to grow all that much. "But I've always been a guy that proves people wrong. I look forward doing it at this level." Dumervil, the only defensive player the Denver Broncos selected in the April draft, found himself in the either-or position as he waited to hear his name on selection weekend. Scouts and personnel directors either believed his sacks totals or could see only his height. And sacks being sacks, the gold in the hills that defenses are constantly searching for, some teams had Dumervil rated as high as a late second-round pick. In 2005, he became the third player in the history of the University of Louisville football program to be chosen a first-team Associated Press All-American. He led all pass rushers in Division I-A with 20 sacks after recording 10 sacks in 2004. At Miami Jackson High School, hearing questions even then about his height, Dumervil made a head- shaking 30 sacks in successive seasons. "You don't get (78) sacks in high school and be one of the leading sack guys in college just from talent," Broncos linebacker Al Wilson said. "You have to know how to get the quarterback and know how to pass rush, and this guy knows how to do it. If he continues to learn and stays focused, listen to the guys around him, takes coaching well, he can be a force to be reckoned with. . . . "(Scouts) measure how big a guy's hands are and his feet are, but that don't mean a thing on Sunday." Some around the league didn't care to look past Dumervil's stature when they set the draft boards, so they had him rated for the sixth round. The Broncos split the difference, grabbing Dumervil in the fourth round with the 126th pick. The Broncos saw the sacks and a player whose arm span is, as Dumervil said, that of someone "about 6-4, 6-5, so that's a little different. "But I was sitting there and I was surprised the whole time," he said. "I was definitely surprised, I definitely thought I'd be a first-day guy. Indianapolis was talking to me in the third (round) and said they were going to take me, but they took someone else instead (San Diego State outside linebacker Freddie Keiaho). "But I'm happy to be in the position I'm in, being here in Denver. I've just always been blessed to find good spots, to find good situations for me. Things work out; they have before. I'll just work hard and see what happens." After all, Dumervil has seen it before. He was ready to play for Florida when he finished his high school career. But when Steve Spurrier left the Gators for the Washington Redskins, so did Dumervil's chance to play defensive end in Gainesville. So Dumervil was left searching for a school that would keep him at end. He ended up at Louisville, which, at the time, featured De- wayne White, the school's all-time sacks leader with 37 1/2, at defensive end. White, a 6-2 273-pounder now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also was considered an undersized pass rusher at the time. "Dewayne was a big reason I ended up at Louisville," Dumervil said. "(Former Louisville coach) John L. Smith recruited me, and he was going to let me play at defensive end. A lot of schools weren't going to let me play at defensive end, but coach Spurrier was and coach Smith was. "But I definitely wanted to be an end. I kept my eyes on Dwight Freeney at Syracuse. He was about my size, so I knew it could be done. I had that motivation." University of Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt, a longtime NFL coach and defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys when they won the first of three Super Bowls in the 1990s, has lauded Dumervil's instincts. After facing Dumervil last season, Wannstedt noted the player's height has forced him to have a more complete package of moves to beat opposing linemen. While many college ends simply rely on a speed rush to sprint around the outside shoulder of the opposing tackle, Dumervil also can work to the inside and varies his approach. "He's got the potential to be a great pass rusher in the NFL," Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "You can see the technique and some of the fundamental things he's worked on. He's a polished player. They made a great decision to draft him." "You've got to get off the ball," Dumervil said. "As long as you can beat your lineman, you use your technique before he can use his technique. I've got a couple moves; I like to bait the tackles sometimes. But you have to look at what he gives you and go from there. It's all about mind games, too." The Broncos have seen enough to already have Dumervil working at defensive tackle in their nickel package. With his speed off the ball, Dumervil could be a difficult matchup for opposing guards. "I did it a little in college, not too much," Dumervil said. "They really did their homework if they saw the plays where I was at tackle. But whatever I can do, I'll do. That's what I'm about." legwoldj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2359 http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...747952,00.html __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

06-03-2006, 10:40 AM	#19
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Impressive photo. If he plays over his size like Al Wilson and DWill, we will have gotten a steal. Both Rhino and Big Money like him. All we need from him this year is some 3rd down pressure. He might be 5-11 but don't discount the & 3/8ths. He's virtually the same size as Rhino, who is a generous 6-0 and said he is 235 right now. Gold looked thicker last year as well. More like 225-230. He dropped because of his size and 40 times, but for where we got him, I don't care if he can't chase wabbits, it's that anticipation and first step. I remember Alan Page and that guy would be off the ball before the QB got the snap but not offsides. Last edited by watermock; 06-03-2006 at 10:45 AM..

06-03-2006, 12:25 PM	#22
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I'm convinced Bob isn't gay, but that he is a masochist. Here is his webpage: http://www.masochist.friendpages.com...geid=masochist Last edited by watermock; 06-03-2006 at 12:27 PM..

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06-03-2006, 01:29 AM	#2
Bob's your Information Minister Chiefs > Broncos Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 25,931 Adopt-a-Bronco: CHRIS KUPER!!!	Sacks appeal? groan

06-03-2006, 02:21 AM	#4
bcbronc _evolution Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: victoria, b.c. Posts: 311	it will be interesting to see how he plays out as a nickle DT. if he can give us an inside pass rush on 3rd and longs, that would be a huge boost. if he can add 4 or 5 sacks as a rookie, i'd be a pretty happy camper.

06-03-2006, 02:23 AM	#5
Lestat Oreo Lucian Rockefeller The New Age Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 5,299	count me as worried about the DT thing but who knows, if it's nickel he could hold up well enough at 258 to not get mauled by OL

06-03-2006, 05:11 AM	#7
CBF1 Ring of Famer No avatar is the new avatar Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,943 Adopt-a-Bronco: Jack Del rio	Bob likes sacks on his chin.

06-03-2006, 06:03 AM	#9
PatsWin2002 Giggity Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: South of Boston Posts: 6,270	Every time I see "Dumervil" I think it's a Merck pharmaceutical or something. I wonder if it cures anything.

06-03-2006, 08:59 AM	#14
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	For people worried about Elvis' strength, he looks plenty strong here, splitting a double team against North Carolina. They probably should have keyed the fullback on him, too, because he had three sacks and two forced fumbles in this game.

06-03-2006, 09:01 AM	#15
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,973 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	Im excited for this guy, altho these are all fluf pieces at this time of year, it still is exciting to have a guy that knows how to get to the QB. Now the question, is, can he do it at this level. Man I hope so!

06-03-2006, 11:01 AM	#20
RMT Rocky Mountain Thunder Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: United States Posts: 3,211	There's nothing like good sacks

06-03-2006, 01:49 PM	#23
Eli_Cash Deep Circus Boognish Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bristol, CT Posts: 206	Don't discount the # of forced fumbles he had at the college level.