Temple University Athletics
Adam DiMichele Blog: May 4
5.4.09 | Football
Senior quarterback Adam DiMichele (McKees Rocks, Pa.) is concluding his academic career at Temple University. Over the next two weeks, the team captain will share his thoughts twice each week about classes ending, final exams, and graduation.
May 4, 2009
First off, I just want to thank anyone who has wished me luck, prayed for me, or congratulated me in the past few days. I appreciate all of the support, and I'm sure my teammates do as well. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and there are a lot of things I miss about being a Temple University football player.
I remember driving up to Temple University for the first time almost four years ago with my brother Alex. To be totally honest, everything's gone by so fast! Almost too fast! I didn't know anyone besides my brother. I kept to myself and didn't hang with many people. That quickly changed. I seemed to vibe with nearly all of my teammates and tried to take it upon myself to get to know them all personally. I think that was one of my better qualities, and if any of my former teammates are reading this, give it a shot, see if it works for you.
I started to laugh out loud to myself when I thought about the way teams used to beat us. 75-0, 62-0, and so on and so forth. I'm about 99.9% sure that will never happen again at this University. It's almost as though we needed the adversity and punishment given to us then to make the team and players successful now.
I miss the quarterback meetings a lot. We always had a good time when watching film, because Coach Rhule knew we were the most prepared for the games. We would joke, talk trash, talk about the economy and politics (NOT ME, I'll admit, only Colin Clancy knew what he was talking about when it came to those topics ... HAHA). I would always have some kind of candy or sunflower seeds to share with the guys. It's one of those situations you take for granted sometimes, and when it's over, it's definitely missed.
Here's a quick list of the things I miss. Stay with me here people:
- getting taped by Nikki (she's the best)
- doing burpees during lifts with Coach Deck
- Team movies
- living in the dorms (504N, I won't forget it!)
- Friday night meetings in the hotel
- buying bikes for summer camp since no one is allowed to drive
- "winning" the QB contests we held during practice (Stew, you know it's true, don't deny it)
- GOT!
- Talking trash to the Defense whenever I could
- GAMEDAY!
DB Evan Cooper, Jr., & QB Adam DiMichele
There's so much more I can add here, but I had to stop somewhere. Some more advice for the current players-- Cherish your time together and make the most of any opportunity you've been given!
I recently spoke with Travis, Alex, Andre, Jabari, and Terrence. All five guys have told me things were going pretty well for them. Things are moving at a faster pace than what we are used to. Even though Coach Golden and his staff do a wonderful job with their practices, it's still not the same as it is in the N.F.L. As you already know, players are bigger, stronger, and faster than what we are used to in college. One thing stays the same though-- if you stay competitive and you want it more than the other person, you will be successful. I firmly believe that.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback A.J. Feeley, left, watches as former Temple University quarterback Adam DiMichele, right, runs some passing drills during the Eagles' minicamp on Friday. (photo courtesy of Associated Press)
My motto for this Eagles minicamp is, "ears and eyes". I understand that learning for me is done both visually and mentally. I like to watch one of the quarterbacks before me and basically try and do the exact same thing they are doing. I notice their drop and their ball placement, and I try and mock their every move. Personally, it's been a solid first two days for me. Getting reps is difficult, but I'm learning. I'm progressing and trying everything in my power to stay consistent and make a good impression to the coaches. I've "controlled what I can control". That's another motto I live by. Once again, I can't say it enough. I'm thankful that this opportunity presented itself, and I feel blessed to be a part of this Philadelphia Eagles minicamp.
Let's Go Pirates! Let's Go Lakers! Oh yeah, and a quick shout out to my buddies, Kevin and Clarkie!
Off to study the playbook!
