Aberdeen’s diamond in the rough fielding Power Five offers

Exclusive interview with Joel Dublanko

 

Being a standout player on a team with a losing record is tough for anyone. Yet somehow do-it-all Class of 2016 budding star Joel Dublanko is making the most of the challenging opportunity.

The 6’3”, 235 pound, running back/line backer stands out in a normal crowd on any street but he especially stands out on the field for the Aberdeen Bobcats as the team’s arguably best and most versatile player. When a big stop is needed on defense, Dublanko is there. When a tough four yards for a first down is needed, Dublanko is there. Even when a quarterback is needed, guess who steps up, Dublanko.

In an exclusive interview Joel Dublanko covers the trials and tribulations of the Bearcats moving up a class in Washington High School football, how college coaches are recruiting him for the next level, and places a hopeful spin on the 2015 season.

 

Joel, not to bring up a tough subject but the Bearcats finished the 2014 season 2-7, what went right for Aberdeen and what went wrong this season?

“Our team only had three returning starters. We had a lot of first year varsity players. We are also still transitioning from moving up a classification. It was tough but the guys kept playing hard. It was a tough season.”

How does the team look heading into next year?

“We are starting to lift more. The varsity athletes are starting to develop with strength training. I think we’ll be an improved team next year. We’re going to work hard in the offseason and give all the teams we play our best shot next year.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“As a linebacker it’s my size. I flow down hill very well. I can fill the middle. I’m a good middle linebacker. I hit hard and wrap up. I’m good in coverage too. This year we faced a lot of teams that are more run-first. My run fits got a lot better. My pass drops didn’t get as much work but I have good depth when I get back and take good angles. I’d say I’m fast to the ball.

“At running back I think I averaged about 5 yards per carry with 3-4 broken tackles each time I got the ball. I just did the best I could do out there. At times I feel like I could have run harder. Next year I think I’ll be a lot faster and will be able to move better.”

You played several positions for Aberdeen this year, will the team look for you to play a different position based on need in 2015?

“I ended the season as the starting quarterback. Last year I played a little tight end too. If I were to rotate in at a different position other than running back or linebacker I think it would be at quarterback.”

How many tackles did you end up with this season?

“I think I had 117 tackles; not 100 percent sure.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“I have offers from Akron, Mississippi State, Montana, Tennessee, and Washington State but not Vanderbilt, at least not that I know of. For some reason people think Vanderbilt has offered me?”

Have you gone on any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, a lot. I’ve been to Washington State, Oregon, Cal, Stanford, USC, UCLA, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Florida State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Ohio State, TCU, Boise State, Duke, Wake Forest, I think North Carolina, and Clemson.

You’re taking your recruiting seriously, I like that. Which visits stood out to you?

“Each trip stood out in their own way. Each place had something special about the school and the program.”

What college camps did you attend in the offseason?

“U-dub, Ohio State, Oregon, Stanford, Washington State, UCLA, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vandy, Georgia, and FSU.”

What camps will you attend in 2015?

“I have no idea.”

From the camps and recruiting contact what type of feedback have you received from these colleges about your skill set?

“They like my physicality, they like the ability that I have to play a hybrid linebacker, defensive end, and outside linebacker.”

At what position are you receiving your offers?

“All offers have been at middle linebacker.”

When the time comes to make a decision on which school you will attend how will you go about formulating which school is your final school?

“The relationship I have with coach and the linebacker’s coach. Your position coach is who you spend the most time with, important to have a good relationship with that coach. The culture of the team is important. I also want to feel at home and I want to feel like the school is the place where I can spend the next four years of my life.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad. I’ve had a lot of opportunities and he’s supported me through everything and always encouraged or pushed me when I needed it. He wants me to be the best I can be.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The physical nature of the game is my favorite part. I really like to hit people.”

 

Joel has the size, and mentality, to be a prototypical middle linebacker at a Power Five conference program, any program. The Class of 2016 standout has had his play on the field already validated by three Power Five programs in the form of a scholarship offer: Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Washington State.

Easy to suspect even more scholarship offers will come down the line once recruiters look past the 2-7 Aberdeen record realizing there is a diamond in the rough waiting to tear up the competition at the collegiate level.

Photo credit: thedailyworld.com; No. 29 Dublanko finds a running lane

Photo credit: Twitter.com; Dublanko (left) at USA All-American game