Interview with 2013 Linebacker Michael Deeb (American Heritage)
by DA-2 on Jan 12, 2012 9:00 AM EST
in FSU Football Recruiting
Email
Print
by: Daniel Almira
With National Signing Day 23 days away, it’s time to look ahead to the 2013 recruiting class. Linebacker looks to be Florida State’s biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. Michael Deeb of American Heritage High School down in Plantation, Fl could be one of the guys heavy on Florida State’s radar. TomahawkNation recently caught up with the 6’2" 235-pound phenom.
American Heritage is one of the premier football high schools down in Broward County. When asked about how American Heritage did in the playoffs, Deeb said, "We lost in the first round to Miami Jackson and didn't play the way we would have liked to." American Heritage also has 2014 Sophomore phenom Sony Michel on their roster. When asked about his relationship with Sony, he said: "Sony and I are close and have (mutual) respect for each other. We push each other in the weight room and he makes me a better player on the field."
As with any high school football recruits recruitment, spring of Junior year is the time in which many plans are set and recruiting heats up. This is no different with Deeb. He told me about his plans for the upcoming summer. "I plan to attend a couple camps and visit the colleges I have most interest in or at least learn more about them outside of football," he said. Expect for him to receive many offers. He flies to the ball extremely well and has a high football IQ (calls plays for his defense). He projects very well on the inside.
So just who is Deeb as a person? The most interesting aspect of his game is the leadership that he provides to the field. He was captain of the defense both his sophomore and junior year. "Ethics is very important. I believe having good morals and faith in something improves your potential as a person and athlete," Deeb said. He told me that the thing he wants to improve on more than anything is his relationship with his friends and family. School also comes first with Deeb. He plans to major in business in college.
I told you all that his sister is currently at Florida State and expected to graduate this spring. So does Deeb have Florida State as his favorite in his recruitment? Apparently not. He told me that his father went to the University of Miami and his mother to the University of Florida. Don’t expect him to be very closed minded to any of the big three Florida schools. Some of the other schools recruiting him include Wisconsin, Ohio State, Texas Tech and Georgia Tech. He also received his first offer from South Florida yesterday.
Deeb has plans to visit Florida State again this summer. He should be a player to look out for on the recruiting trail. Check out his film after the jump.
52 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Thanks man.
I don’t always have time and connections, but when I do, it’s always great to hear positive feedback.
All I want for NSD is Eddie Goldman...
You now look like this to me
Tim Tebow made me an atheist.
by NoleMeansYes on Jan 13, 2012 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
Michael Deeb
Isn’t that the guy that does the traffic reports for 1270 the team?……..I keed.
This kid looks good and has really good anticipation. I hope we land him.
It's all about the process
i really hope FSU can grab this guy
What is the definition of safe sex down in Gainesville?
Placing signs on the animals that kick.
I definitely see him starting out as a 3 star, but I'm most impressed with his instincts.
Size is good, speed could probably use work, but the instincts and leadership are phenomenal. Think he has good potential.
All I want for NSD is Eddie Goldman...
For what it's worth,
Deeb means wolf in Arabic.
by millpond on Jan 12, 2012 9:25 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Reports are the really expect him to BLOW UP his senior year
literally
That fact that I'm paranoid doesn't mean that there isn't a conspiracy against us
by stevegrizzle on Jan 12, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
literally figuratively, yes
That fact that I'm paranoid doesn't mean that there isn't a conspiracy against us
by stevegrizzle on Jan 12, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Already physically impressive, hits hard. Fun to watch
How’s his speed?
Who is a good comparison for Deeb?
Are we talking young Brian Urlacher or what?
'Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.' John Heisman
probably clay matthews
Guy on a Buffalo
by SteadfastNole on Jan 12, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Sounds like a good guy.
I like his quote on ethics. I hope he gives us a serious look.
He comes from a great family.
It shows too. He’s always talking about being good with the man upstairs and good with his family. Shows great maturity for a 17 year-old.
All I want for NSD is Eddie Goldman...
Really like the way he reads the play before it even develops
Great football instincts. Woudl love to see that guy wearing G&G.
I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that.- James Baldwin
Wow
Kid seems like the real deal. His awareness is impressive as his ability to read plays so quickly. He punishes the ball carrier when he arrives. It looks like he is quick and elusive enough to avoid most blocks but I would like to see what he does when he can’t just run around the block but must engage and shed. I’m sure he has no problems with it, just really want to see more of this kid. Hopefully in G&G.
by NolePlaceLikeHome on Jan 12, 2012 12:22 PM EST reply actions
Great Physicality
Does he have the speed? His tackles all appeared to be high too. But I’m sure that can be adjusted.
While we're naming white linebackers to compare him to,
I think Urlacher and Zach Thomas are about the best comparisons. Looks an awful lot like ZT, speed looks to be good enough to play in the middle, and the kid can anticipate and hits like a truck. Want him in that class
Naw
He’s always around the play, and being disruptive on every play like Kuechly was. Just an observation
yeah
He definitely knows what’s going on every play. That’s apparent, and it’s nice. I just don’t see the athleticism here.. he runs like a defensive linemen and his pad level is absurdly high… he runs around like a statue
by Cory Danielson on Jan 12, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
It's his highlight video
There may have been other plays not shown where he wasn’t involved.
by CelticPride on Jan 13, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Some other interesting tidbits for those that actually read the comments...
He just turned 17 last month. So he’s still developing.
He thinks Gran shows a ton of passion; Hudson is easy to get along with and shows great knowledge of the LB position; Fisher is a smart coach and raise his player’s potential (poor wording but you get what I mean).
He thinks our LB have great footwork and fly to the ball. They also have an “intense” motor.
All I want for NSD is Eddie Goldman...
Looks like a very intelligent 3* athlete... low-mid 4* prospect.. probably outside espnu 150
Pros:
- He seems relatively good compared to his competition
- He’s got a great eye for the ball
- Size
- Good reads
- He’s makes his tackles
- He’s probably as coachable as they come
Cons:
- Not an elite or even very good athlete. Looks like a 3* to me.
- He doesn’t have very fluid mechanics
- He doesn’t cut well or run fast.
- His hips look very stiff, like Jeff Luc… but worse.
- Poor technique on his tackles. His pad level is way way way too high on.. most.. of them.
- He reminds me of a defensive end/tackle when he’s in pursuit… man his pad level is high.
- He seems to favor late hits on a QB rather than disrupting the pass
Questions:
- Strength? Is it there? His pad level is so high that he looks like he’s lifting boxes, but he always makes the tackle… he has the strength to stay on his tackle, but his technique is so poor that I can’t tell if he lacks strength or is just using it incorrectly.
- He plays like he’s 260, it’s kind of weird. Maybe he needs different pads?
- No shirtless pictures on google… top prospects have shirtless or almost shirtless pics… always.. he’s got to work on that. My recommendation would be to wear less shirts.
by Cory Danielson on Jan 12, 2012 5:38 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
my bad
I hit the ‘actions’ button, I thought I’d be able to edit my post by clicking that. just a warning to whoever gets the message on that kind of stuff.
by Cory Danielson on Jan 12, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
Cory
fewer shirt (not less shirts)
Why do you think he is “as coachable as they come”?
Agreed on most of what you say though.
by CelticPride on Jan 13, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
I do believe he can be coached to take his shirt off more often, yes.
Cory, thanks for that post!
based on
Based on the quality of his responses he seems like a really respectful, well-mannered kid. There’s nothing in the article that leads me to believe he’s selfish and Daniel Almira wrote in the article that he has a high football IQ… it’s hard to get that without listening to his coaches.
by Cory Danielson on Jan 13, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
You don't say.....
I told you all that his sister is currently at Florida State
#ToTheSmashMobileBatman!!!
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
Follow me on Twitter for all the outrageous sh!t I can't say on Tomahawk Nation...
Follow @DRusso97
P.S. - I see all his negatives (listed above, and valid), don't care. Want this kid in G&G.
He is a HAMMER in the middle.
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
Follow me on Twitter for all the outrageous sh!t I can't say on Tomahawk Nation...
Follow @DRusso97
by DRusso97 on Jan 13, 2012 11:50 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
What's his forty time ?
We don’t need any slow white kids . Even tho k-Hall was not to bad .
by nolesport on Jan 13, 2012 4:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions
TSR
#ThatSoundedRacist
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
Follow me on Twitter for all the outrageous sh!t I can't say on Tomahawk Nation...
Follow @DRusso97
Michael Deeb
Cory, Cory, Cory, your predominately negative post about Michael is disturbing! Everyone likes to go hunting until the rabbit has the gun. Cory, think of me as Bugs Bunny! Did you know that: Michael was the MVP for JV Baseball his freshman year and MVP in Basketball (can dunk). Also, he was MVP at FSU and UM’s summer FB camps and shined in the one on one drills. Ran a legit 4.7 as a sophomore, benches 350 and squats 515, has a 34" vert and 9’6" Broad jump. Cory, check out his video where he jumps up on a 48" counter (standing still). Michael is an accomplished barefoot water skier, amazing wake boarder and snowboarder, former young Tennis phenom as well as an unbelievable Ping Pong Player. His junior year he focused solely on FB and has been training nonstop the day after they lost in the playoffs like Jerry Rice. By the way, he is training with the same guy that trains NFL stars like Lito Shepard. Unfortunately, he could never train in the offseason due to playing other varsity sports, now he is focused on FB. Not to mention, he only played FB for one year as an ILB and three years total. Obviously, the best is yet to come with his 40 time and on the field. Is he athletic enough yet? What is up with the shirtless comment about a 17 yo young man? I thought this is Florida State not that other State school in the news! However since you opened the door, he has a 12 pack and more girls chasing him at the beach or wakeboarding than a Jonas Brothers Concert and that is the only time they catch him. By the way, do you have a 12 pack or a keg? Don’t worry; he’s built like "the Rock", not the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Les Miles, Nick Saban, and Urban Meyer like this kid and they won Nat Champs! Also, one highly respected local HS coach (won 2 state championships) said, "If we had him, we’ll win state." Cory, what are your credentials, seems like you can’t measure up. Last, if the fans are like you, he is too good to go to FSU. After all, I would love to see him in Orange and Blue. Long time Michael Deeb Fan (not family).
by GatorNationGrad09 on Jan 13, 2012 6:38 PM EST reply actions
hahah
I gave good & the bad. Can’t be biased just because he may be interested in the ’Noles.
Thanks for all the stats though, that’s really really really informative. The shirtless picture was pure sarcasm (i was hoping that would have been obvious). Based on what you posted he does seem far more athletic than I could tell based on the video, and, at his age, his mistakes are not just coachable but fixable. I guess my analysis may have been a little ‘strict’ because I kind of left out the fact that he’s a junior. He’s obviously very talented and he’s going to get better… because of this article, I’m sure he’s got a lot of Noles keeping their eyes on him (me being one of them).. I’m looking forward to hearing more about him and seeing his senior film and camp results.
Also, Deeb is a JUNIOR and 6’2" 235. He’s a pretty big dude already and with that size and strength as a JUNIOR, he could project really well in a handful of positions depending on if he maintains or increases his size (LB, DE, TE, FB). He could stay at linebacker, yes. But he could also be really well suited to play DE. With the measurables you listed, he’s actually pretty attractive as a defensive end… He’s already got a knack for spotting ball carriers, that’s a huge asset along the defensive line. 4.7 speed isn’t amazing, but that should improve if he’s focusing on football. He’s probably going to get bigger. By the time he steps on a college campus, Deeb could be anywhere from around 235-260 and if he enroll’s early somewhere… might as well slap another 10-15 lbs on that frame.
He’s got a ton of upside, especially since he’s got the football IQ.
by Cory Danielson on Jan 13, 2012 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
His football IQ makes up for elite speed.
Brian Cox was a pretty good NFL ILB for a few years, and he ran a self-admitted 5.2
The only thing I was concerned about watching his film was him getting singled up on a back, but I’m worried about that with Vince Williams too….and he’s 4 years older.
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
Follow me on Twitter for all the outrageous sh!t I can't say on Tomahawk Nation...
Follow @DRusso97
yeah, makes sense
Players could definitely make up for a lack of speed with more intelligence and vision… as long as you correctly use the speed you do have then I guess your top end speed isn’t so much of a factor.
by Cory Danielson on Jan 15, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
i also want to clarify
The title of my original post was
“Looks like a very intelligent 3* athlete… low-mid 4* prospect.. probably outside espnu 150”
That was me evaluating him as a senior compared to the current prospects of 2012. He’s going to get better and there’s no reason why he won’t climb.
by Cory Danielson on Jan 13, 2012 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, makes sense
Players could definitely make up for a lack of speed with more intelligence and vision… as long as you correctly use the speed you do have then I guess your top end speed isn’t so much of a factor.
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SHOP THE TOMAHAWK NATION STORE
