Dave Philistin Interview

The word versatility has been used to the point of cliche’. Turn on a television and you’re bound to hear Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW compete in an apparent race against a 30 second clock to see how many times they can describe their automobiles as versatile. It’s a desirable trait in a high-performance vehicle.

Not all that bad if you’re a football player, either. Like the ability to play all three linebacker positions. Or the experience of having already played all three in three different defensive alignments.

In a word, Dave Philistin is versatile.

Of course, when you’re an interchangeable cog, capable of creating highlight-reel plays from multiple spots on the field, there’s a chance for injury. But in life, it’s not always the hand, or shoulder, you’re dealt; it’s how you play the cards. As a junior, Philistin completely tore the labrum in his left shoulder. Doctors warned him that playing with an injury of that caliber could damage his shoulder beyond repair. But Philistin is not a quitter. He played the entire season at less than full-strength, silencing MDs across Maryland with a 120 tackle season. By the way, his shoulder is just fine now.

So, maybe, in a word, Dave Philistin is durable.

Then there’s the pleasant, humble way he carries himself. The at-ease attitude that he exudes during conversation. The confidence in his skills and his ability to intelligently talk about his position assignments while politely laughing his way through conversations on The Matrix and why you can’t give yourself a nickname.

Maybe the word to describe Philistin is affable.

But with 247 career tackles, a violent ability to erase offensive stars, and an uncanny sixth-sense for putting himself in a position to make drive-killing, Sportscenter-style plays, perhaps there’s another word that best embodies the former Maryland linebacker.

How about unstoppable?

DraftZoo: Dave, you were widely considered a first day prospect entering the 2008 season. Is there one thing you can point to that made that reputation tough to keep up? Was it a coaching or scheme change?

Dave Philistin: Well, something a lot of people don’t know about me is that I played all three linebacker positions in college. I played Mike Linebacker as a junior, so maybe it was the switch to Will Linebacker some as a senior. It was just that whatever [my coaches] asked me to do, I did it. It’s kind of hard, you know, to hear that stuff. I don’t want to say it bothers me, but I can play any linebacker position on the field. I definitely put the team first. And a lot times I was spread out covering a receiver on plays when they ran it inside. But I’m not making any excuses. It’s all about team success.

DZ: With that kind of versatility, where do you see your self playing at the next level? What scheme do you best fit in?

DP: Well, at Maryland, we played a 4-3 some. We also played a 3-3-5. And we played some 3-4. I really don’t have any preference. If a team wants to play me at Mike, or outside, I have no problem with that. I think it has really helped my instincts to have played every linebacker position. I know them all from experience, not just being told what to do at a certain spot. That really helps me. When my teammates come to me and ask what to do in a certain coverage, or if the guard does this or that, I know instinctively what to do because I’ve played that position, too. I just think I’m very versatile. I’ll play anywhere you want me to play.

DZ: Your college teammate, Moise Fokou, is getting some attention from scouts, as well. Do you believe that playing along someone like that at Maryland helped you as a player?

DP: Definitely. Moise is a play maker. He was one of the seniors on the team that watched a lot of film in his free time. He was always very prepared, and he helped our defense tremendously. He’s a very athletic guy, and guys like that help everyone on the defense.

DZ: I’m a firm believer in grading prospects based on production. You led your team in tackles as a junior right?

DP: Well, yeah, it was me and [teammate Erin Henderson] at the top. Were were one and two. And he missed a game. But yeah as far as ACC play, we were the top two guys.

DZ: If you had to name one trait that was the most important to being a great linebacker, what would it be?

DP: I would say that, for a linebacker, the most important thing has to be instincts. You can be as big and strong and fast as you want, but if you don’t have the instincts, you won’t be as good as you could be. I think all the great linebackers in the league have those instincts. If you look at Lance Briggs, Ray Lewis, those guys all have great instincts. They’re not guessers.

DZ: Do you have any habits that you think you need to work on?

DP: Yeah, I think sometimes I play too high. That’s something I’m always working on. But still, I think I could play a little bit lower. I think that can only help with my game.

DZ: You mentioned Lance Briggs and Ray Lewis. Is there a certain player you model your game after? Or that you like to watch?

DP: Yeah, before the season I talked to Lance Briggs just asking him as many questions as I could. This is a guy that definitely goes hard. I think he’s the best linebacker in the league, in my opinion. He can cover. He’s great all around. I don’t think he gets the recognition he deserves. There are obviously some great linebackers in the NFL. But I look at Lance Briggs. The way he comes down on plays and fills the box. He’s a great player.

DZ: I actually have that written down right here, that I’ve seen some comparisons of you to Lance Briggs.

DP: Haha. Now you’re flattering me.

DZ: Haha. I kid you not. Is there one measurable that you’re most proud of?

DP: Man, I’ve got to think about that. I guess, and this isn’t really a measurable, but I would have to say my play recognition. It’s almost weird. In the game I just know when it’s a draw. I know when it’s a screen. Maybe based off play tendencies. It’s like Neo (from The Matrix) haha. You know, in the movie, he doesn’t see just a picture, he sees the code. When I see a play, I see the body language as far as whether it’s a run or a pass. It’s hard to describe. You know, when you see the guard really come up high and really exaggerate the pass, you know it’s a draw. No one puts their hands up that high. So yeah, I would say my play recognition. It’s hard to explain.

DZ: Haha. I’m going to use that Matrix line in the interview now. You’re stuck with that. I’m putting Neo in here.

DP: Haha.

DZ: Speaking of movies, do you spend a lot of time studying game film?

DP: You know, I do. During my career, I watched film with the other players. When I was a freshman I watched film with [current Cleveland Brown and former teammate] D’Qwell Jackson. And I carried that with me. I bought a portable DVD player and I take it with me. When we’re on the bus, I take it up to coaches and ask them about certain plays. I feel comfortable watching film. Some people like to but lottery tickets, but I guess I’m not a good guesser. I like knowing things. I like facts. I like knowing what the other team is going to do.

DZ: You had one of your best games against Cal with 13 tackles, which was a surprise win for Maryland. Did you do anything special to prepare for that game? Do you feel that you get up better for those big-time games?

DP: Well, it was a big-time game like you said. And for those big-time games something in you just gets unlocked. We’d never faced them. We were coming off a disappointing loss to Middle Tennessee State, and they were on a winning streak. I remember watching film of them — just the way they came off the ball. Their center was getting to the next level and just punishing people. Their back was one of the fastest dudes I’ve seen. But we just knew how good we were, and we wanted to get our respect back. It was one of those times where you just lead by example. I just wanted everyone to really turn it on, so to speak.

DZ: You mentioned their center, Alex Mack. He’s definitely one of the best at his position, and really across the board as far as offensive linemen are concerned.

DP: Yeah it was crazy. I had to come downhill right away because he didn’t waste any time. I told our nose guard that if they don’t double team you, that means they don’t respect you. So if they don’t double team you, you have to make the play. [Mack] was coming up to the second level fast. Our nose guard is one of my good friends. I was trying to get him hyped. And that helped because they started having to chip off on him a little before coming up to the second level.

DZ: Was he the best offensive lineman you faced?

DP: Yeah, it was probably him. Either him or our guard Jaimie Thomas in practice. He was always really good at popping the lineman and the getting to the second level really quickly. He definitely goes hard, and he’s dedicated. He’s a very supportive teammate.

DZ: You played hurt pretty much your entire junior year right? And that’s when you made 120 tackles.

DP: Yeah, a lot of people don’t know that. But that year, against Georgia Tech, I tore the labrum in my left shoulder. I had 21 tackles in that game. I’m fine now, which I am very thankful for. But the whole season I played like that. You know, the whole season I had a completely torn labrum. It was a 360 degree tear. I hear people say things about guys like “will play injured,” and I feel like I fit that category. That’s one thing that Coach [Ralph] Friedgen was proud of me for. I wanted to play. I wasn’t going to let that stop me. There are some players that sprain a nail and take themselves out. I’d rather be carried off the field. That’s just a pride issue. That’s who I am. That’s something I’m proud of.

DZ: Alright, how about some random questions. Is there any significance to wearing #34?

DP: Haha. No, not really. The coach gave me the number. In high school, everyone was picking out their numbers, but I just always thought of it like a nickname. Someone else gives you a nickname, you can’t give yourself one. Haha. That just always seemed like something that was supposed to be given to you, like your name at birth. They gave me [#34] and I was happy with it.

DZ: Must be why I don’t have a nickname. I’m not giving myself one, but I’m open to suggestions. What about team nicknames, is their a specific NFL team that you have your eye on?

DP: I would say all 32 teams. Haha. I know it’s a cliche’ answer, but I’ll play anywhere. I don’t get homesick.

DZ: Haha. I expected that. Really just one more question, and I thought of it because my dog just jumped up on my computer here. Do you have any pets?

DP: Aw man. I’m not a pet guy right now. I want a dog, but my mom doesn’t want one. So right now, I don’t have any pets. But I want a dog soon.

DZ: Well, as long as you don’t buy yourself a turtle or a terrapin, I’ll think you’ll be alright. Thanks for your time, and best of luck with the draft.

DP: Haha, no. Never that. Thank you too.