Luke Dillon (WR- Defiance) Interview
by Luke Paul Chandler
Josh Buchanon, of D2football.com, talks to Luke Dillon, a sleeper wide receiver from Defiance.
WR Luke Dillon, Defiance
What are your current measurables such as height, weight, 40, and bench reps?
Luke: I am 6′5, 235 lbs. My 40 time is a 4.50 sec. My 225 max is 22 reps. Vertical jump is right around 35 inches.
How did you end up at Defiance?
Luke: I finished up my high school career at Missouri Military in Mexico, Missouri, not really intending to play college football. A few schools recruited me out of Mo. Military but not as wide receiver, as a mike linebacker because that is what I played in high school. My dad ended up making a suggestion, saying that it might be a good idea to see what Defiance College had to offer, because of their good criminal justice program. I then met the coaches at DC and soon enough I was playing for them. Originally I was a tight end and then moved to WR.
Where have you been training?
Luke: I have been training at Ignition APG in Cincinnati, Ohio with Clif Marshall.
What do you want to work on most before the draft?
Luke: My route running. My knowledge of the NFL style routes has been limited because in college I mainly ran fades, slants, and screens. I think with some more coaching however, I can clean up my routes. I’ve done some with a former Bengals WR, Ira Hilary, and he’s really helped me polish them, especially getting in and out of my breaks.
Who else is training with you?
Luke: David Pollack of the Cincinnati Bengals worked with us a lot and was a good guide to this whole process, Odell Thurman of the Cincinnati Bengals, Stanford Keglar from Purdue, and about 12 other players from Division I programs. Brian Brohm was there a little too.
What do you feel are your biggest strengths on the field?
Luke: My size is definitely my best attribute. I am almost 6′5″ and weigh about 235 lbs. I like to use my size to my advantage against lighter or shorter defensive backs. I’m pretty fast but I don’t have Calvin Johnson type speed, he ran a 4.37. I feel like I’m closer to Vincent Jackson from San Diego. I’m around high 4.4s or low 4.5s. I am very versatile. By that, I mean I can play any of the receiver spots, along with tight end.
What are your biggest weaknesses on the field?
Luke: The top end of my routes. With time and proper training I’m sure that could be rectified. I feel like I’ve come a long way with it, but I can get better too.
Do you have any players on your team who you feel will be solid NFL prospects next year?
Luke: Unfortunately, no. Some of the guys that I played with may have a chance to play Arena 2 maybe Arena 1, but not really for the NFL.
Which teams have shown the most interest in you so far?
Luke: Jacksonville, Green Bay, and Cleveland. I’m expecting to hear more after the Pro Day at Ohio State since all 32 teams will be there. I know a couple more want to talk to me that day since they’re looking for bigger receivers.
Do you have any expectations on draft day such as a round or team?
Luke: Not really. There is a long time from now until that day. My agent and I are really trying to get my name out there so teams will know who I am. But I really don’t know how that is going to turn out. Only time will tell. If I had a choice to which team I would go, it would have to be Dallas. I’ve been a Cowboys fan a long time. In the end, I just want a chance to compete to win a roster spot and make some plays.
What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?
Luke: I have applied to about 5 different law schools across the Midwest; however, I’m still waiting to hear from them. So, if my dream to play in the NFL falls through, I can always get my law degree. My agent is a lawyer, so we’ve talked about that as a career too.