In all the hoopla of early collegiate signings Feb. 7, Alex Delisi of Clarkston put his name in ink to play for the University of Cincinnati. In a large Oakland County crop of senior football recruits promising their athletic futures, Delisi was one of five to sign from his high school, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Delisi is one of three players from George Porritt’s notorious Eaglets program, destined for division I college football next fall.
‘I’ve been working for a ride to college since eighth grade. That’s been the goal and it happened,? Delisi said.
Porritt immediately recognized Delisi’s dedication to the game.
‘He’s a tough kid with a tremendous work ethic. He trains year-round in the weight room. He eats, sleeps and drinks football,? Porritt said.
Delisi, a three-year starter for the Eaglets, had to be chased away from the weight room this season.
‘There are certain kids with certain passions. After school, I know right where Alex is at Monday through Friday,? Porritt said.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 220-pound linebacker earned All-state honors last season, which at 8-3, was considered mediocre for the Eaglets. In 2005, OLSM made their way through the playoffs to the regional finals and an 11-1 season. The success led to increased pressure on the Eaglets, who returned many players from the previous season.
‘Ninety-nine percent of football is mental and if you’re distracted, you’re not going to perform,? Delisi said.
‘Last season, a lot of kids were distracted with college and everything.?
Delisi made 163 tackles last season, seven of them for sacks.
Delisi, who runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, will put his speed to use in the Big East Conference where the Bearcats play.
‘It’s known to be a very fast conference,? Delisi said.
The concerted effort of incoming Bearcats head coach Brian Kelly, who left Central Michigan University in December to fill the vacancy created when Mark Dantonio took Michigan State’s head coaching position, left an impression on Delisi.
‘I was their number one recruit and when it comes to playing, that gave me the upper hand,? he said.
Kelly said he recruited Delisi while with the Chippewas, but knew Delisi was more likely to go to a larger school eligible for the Bowl Championship Series at the end of the season.
‘I thought it was going to be a stretch for us to get him. I thought he was going to be a Big 10 lock, I felt he had that kind of ability and we were excited to get him here,? Kelly said.
The location, close enough for his parents Robert and Sandra to visit, coaches and facilities were key to Delisi’s decision.
Big Ten schools Ohio State, MSU and Illinois as well as Washington were in the running for Delisi.
He is planning to pack on more muscle and get quicker to play at the inside linebacker position where Kelly has him slated, a slide over from middle linebacker at OLSM. Delisi is looking to drop one-tenth of a second off his 40-yard dash time and gain between 10-20 pounds for the position.
Kelly said Delisi’s athleticism bodes well for the incoming freshman.
‘Alex has the ability to play inside and the athletic ability to play another defensive position,? Kelly said.
‘He’s an athletic kid and he runs well. He’s got some flexibility, he’s not just a plug-in linebacker.?
St. Mary’s reputation for producing quality student athletes was another factor in the decision for Kelly, who has recruited about 10 players from OLSM during his time as a head coach.
‘I’m well aware of the type of kid I’m getting,? Kelly said.
‘He has all the things I’m looking for.?
Although he knew he had played his way into recruiting from big name schools, Delisi kept focus throughout the season.
‘Some kids were crazy because a coach was going to be watching. I got into a zone, I didn’t pay attention to it when the game started,? Delisi said.
After beginning his gridiron career in sixth grade as a member of the Clarkston Chiefs in youth football, Delisi ventured to Marist Academy prior to OLSM. He played varsity football all four years of high school for the Eaglets.
Delisi said he respects Clarkston High School’s football program, a team with a successful history of its own, but his dedication led him to pick Porritt’s program.
‘A lot of people wanted me to play for Clarkston, but you’ve got to do what’s best for you. I thought St. Mary’s offered me the best opportunity to earn a scholarship,? Delisi said.
Delisi hopes to parlay his 3.8 GPA into a career in financial services as a money manager or financial planner.
For the time being, Delisi plans on weightlifting, finishing out his senior year of high school and then hitting campus.