VIDEO: https://wisconsin.rivals.com/news/week-1-in-state-blitz-wisconsin-commit-boyd-dietzen
Strengths: First off, this was probably one of the best atmospheres for a football game I've ever been to (high school, college or pro). The Fond du Lac stadium was absolutely packed and the entire surrounding area was locked into this contest. It was an excellent game right up until the very end.
Boyd Dietzen played both ways - limited snaps as a blocking TE - but was obviously a bigger factor at defensive end - he also bumped inside at times. Right away he looked to have shed some bad weight from a season ago; we had him listed previously at 235 pounds but Friday's program had him at 226. Physically I thought he looked better and more agile despite playing at a lighter weight.
As the game wore on, it was evident that Fond du Lac planned to double and even triple team Dietzen. Despite that, the three-star prospect continued to grind away and found himself in the backfield a handful of times. I thought Dietzen had good balance and used his leverage well at the point of attack. He's also pretty strong in the upper body and was able to move piles in Kimberly's favor. Finally, I thought Dietzen did a good job of shedding blocks and flowing to the ball carrier while engaged with an opposing player. He "moved through the wash" pretty well.
I also think there's a lot to be said for a kid who comes from a program like Kimberly's. This team hasn't lost since 2012, so Dietzen knows what it takes to win and the challenges that go with maintaining and performing at an elite level. This was a very good Fond du Lac team and Kimberly responded every time Fondy threw a big punch.
Areas of improvement: I just question how effective Dietzen can be in Wisconsin's 3-4 scheme at end. At 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds - he's clearly going to add some weight - he looks more like a linebacker on paper. Maybe he gets a look there when he arrives on campus?
Two guys with similar builds - Kraig Howe and David Pfaff - have had a difficult time seeing the field at Wisconsin. In comparison, an end like Isaiahh Loudermilk (6-7, 300) has shot up the depth chart. That said, Dietzen is a better prospect and athlete than Pfaff coming out high school.
Outlook: Dietzen's a kid you just want in your program - the best player on the best team in the state. He'll begin at end but could also be a blocking tight end or even fullback for the Badgers.
Wisconsin comparison on current roster: Chikwe Obasih (who was maybe a bit more athletic coming out of high school) was listed at 6-foot-3 and 231 during his senior year at Brookfield Central. He's now listed at 275 pounds, so maybe Dietzen can follow that weight-gain path when he arrives on campus. Both players were big-time playmakers at the prep level.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
Strengths: First off, this was probably one of the best atmospheres for a football game I've ever been to (high school, college or pro). The Fond du Lac stadium was absolutely packed and the entire surrounding area was locked into this contest. It was an excellent game right up until the very end.
Boyd Dietzen played both ways - limited snaps as a blocking TE - but was obviously a bigger factor at defensive end - he also bumped inside at times. Right away he looked to have shed some bad weight from a season ago; we had him listed previously at 235 pounds but Friday's program had him at 226. Physically I thought he looked better and more agile despite playing at a lighter weight.
As the game wore on, it was evident that Fond du Lac planned to double and even triple team Dietzen. Despite that, the three-star prospect continued to grind away and found himself in the backfield a handful of times. I thought Dietzen had good balance and used his leverage well at the point of attack. He's also pretty strong in the upper body and was able to move piles in Kimberly's favor. Finally, I thought Dietzen did a good job of shedding blocks and flowing to the ball carrier while engaged with an opposing player. He "moved through the wash" pretty well.
I also think there's a lot to be said for a kid who comes from a program like Kimberly's. This team hasn't lost since 2012, so Dietzen knows what it takes to win and the challenges that go with maintaining and performing at an elite level. This was a very good Fond du Lac team and Kimberly responded every time Fondy threw a big punch.
Areas of improvement: I just question how effective Dietzen can be in Wisconsin's 3-4 scheme at end. At 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds - he's clearly going to add some weight - he looks more like a linebacker on paper. Maybe he gets a look there when he arrives on campus?
Two guys with similar builds - Kraig Howe and David Pfaff - have had a difficult time seeing the field at Wisconsin. In comparison, an end like Isaiahh Loudermilk (6-7, 300) has shot up the depth chart. That said, Dietzen is a better prospect and athlete than Pfaff coming out high school.
Outlook: Dietzen's a kid you just want in your program - the best player on the best team in the state. He'll begin at end but could also be a blocking tight end or even fullback for the Badgers.
Wisconsin comparison on current roster: Chikwe Obasih (who was maybe a bit more athletic coming out of high school) was listed at 6-foot-3 and 231 during his senior year at Brookfield Central. He's now listed at 275 pounds, so maybe Dietzen can follow that weight-gain path when he arrives on campus. Both players were big-time playmakers at the prep level.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
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