Dave Philistin
Encyclopedia
Dave Philistin is an American football
linebacker. He played for the Maryland Terrapins
at the University of Maryland
. Philistin is a 2011 UFL Draft choice of the Las Vegas Locomotives
.
to mother Liz Murphy. His brother, Jacques, played football as a nose tackle at Norfolk State University
where he earned All-American honors. Dave attended Manchester Central High School
where he played football for four years. As a sophomore he played as a defensive end
, before moving to inside linebacker and tailback
for his final two years. He also letter twice in track and field
, with his events being sprints
and shot put
.
As a senior, he recorded 108 tackles
, one interception
returned for a touchdown, 4.5 quarterback sack
s, one blocked punt that he also returned for a touchdown, and one fumble recovery. That year as a tailback, he rush
ed for 1,002 yards and 13 touchdowns. During his senior season, the team went 13–0 and won the state championship.
In high school, Philistin was named an all-state player three times. His senior year, ESPN named him the number-five outside linebacker in the nation. He was named a PrepStar All-American, SuperPrep All-New England selection, and 2004 New Hampshire player of the year. Philistin was recruited by Maryland, Boston College
, Michigan
, Ohio State
, and West Virginia
. Philistin said one of the reasons he chose Maryland was because "The coaches were a great fit here. I wanted to go to a school that wasn't too far, but where I felt like I was on my own."
. In 2005
, Phlistin saw action in 10 of 11 games as a true freshman reserve linebacker, and recorded seven tackles, five of which were solo, half of a tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry. In 2006
, he played in all 13 games again as a reserve and also in a special teams role. Philistin started
twice at the "Sam" linebacker position. He recorded 15 solo tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.
2007
was Philistin's breakout season, and he started in all 13 games at the "Mike" linebacker position. He recorded 124 total tackles, four broken-up passes, and one forced fumble and recovery. Philistin finished second on the team in total tackles, behind Erin Henderson
, fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference
(ACC), and 38th in the nation. He was named an All-ACC nominee.
In 2008
, he was moved to the "Will" linebacker position. He played in all 13 games and started in 12, despite suffering a shoulder injury. He again ranked second on the team in total tackles with 94, behind Alex Wujciak
. In the upset win against 23rd-ranked California
, Philistin led the team with 13 tackles, including one for loss. ESPN named Philistin, alongside Moise Fokou
, as one of the key impact players in that game.
Before the season, he was placed on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy
and Lombardi Award
watchlists. Philistin was named a consensus preseason first-team All-ACC, first-team Sporting News, Blue Ribbon, and Lindy's and second-team Athlon player. Lindy's also ranked him as the 11th inside linebacker in that nation. He was also an All-ACC nominee.
. The NFL Draft Scout had ranked Philistin 20th among 149 inside linebacker prospects for the 2009 draft
. It said that, despite being undersized for the NFL
, he is an excellent tackler, especially against rushers. The Sporting News projected Philistin as a sixth-round selection, noting that his key strengths were intelligence, persistence, and an ability to quickly read the run. It noted that his size might predispose him towards being a career reserve, although he was considered "a solid late-round pick for a team in a 3–4 scheme."
of the United Football League on May 11, 2011.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
linebacker. He played for the Maryland Terrapins
Maryland Terrapins football
The Maryland Terrapins football team represents the University of Maryland in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Terrapins compete within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
at the University of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
. Philistin is a 2011 UFL Draft choice of the Las Vegas Locomotives
Las Vegas Locomotives
The Las Vegas Locomotives are a professional American football team based in Las Vegas, Nevada who play in the United Football League. The team plays its home games in Sam Boyd Stadium, home field for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jim Fassel is the franchise's head coach, president, and...
.
Early years
Philistin was born on September 24, 1986 in Manchester, New HampshireManchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, the tenth largest city in New England, and the largest city in northern New England, an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is in Hillsborough County along the banks of the Merrimack River, which...
to mother Liz Murphy. His brother, Jacques, played football as a nose tackle at Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a four-year, state-supported, coed, liberal arts, historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia. It is member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Virginia High-Tech Partnership.-Academics:...
where he earned All-American honors. Dave attended Manchester Central High School
Manchester Central High School
Manchester High School Central is the oldest public high school in the state of New Hampshire. Located in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire, over 2,400 students attend from communities such as Auburn, Candia, Hooksett, and Manchester. The name was changed from Manchester High School in 1922...
where he played football for four years. As a sophomore he played as a defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
, before moving to inside linebacker and tailback
Tailback
Tailback can mean:* Halfback * A line of motor vehicles caught up in traffic congestion; a traffic jam...
for his final two years. He also letter twice in track and field
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
, with his events being sprints
Sprint (race)
Sprints are short running events in athletics and track and field. Races over short distances are among the oldest running competitions. The first 13 editions of the Ancient Olympic Games featured only one event—the stadion race, which was a race from one end of the stadium to the other...
and shot put
Shot put
The shot put is a track and field event involving "putting" a heavy metal ball—the shot—as far as possible. It is common to use the term "shot put" to refer to both the shot itself and to the putting action....
.
As a senior, he recorded 108 tackles
Tackle (football move)
Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling is to disposses an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend....
, one interception
Interception (football)
An interception, intercept or pick is a move in many forms of football, including Canadian and American football, as well as rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football and Gaelic football, which involves a pass, either by foot or hand, being caught by an opposition player, who usually...
returned for a touchdown, 4.5 quarterback sack
Quarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
s, one blocked punt that he also returned for a touchdown, and one fumble recovery. That year as a tailback, he rush
Rush (American football)
Rushing has two different meanings in gridiron football .-Offense:The first is an action taken by the offensive team that means to advance the ball by running, as opposed to passing. A run is technically any play that does not involve a forward pass...
ed for 1,002 yards and 13 touchdowns. During his senior season, the team went 13–0 and won the state championship.
In high school, Philistin was named an all-state player three times. His senior year, ESPN named him the number-five outside linebacker in the nation. He was named a PrepStar All-American, SuperPrep All-New England selection, and 2004 New Hampshire player of the year. Philistin was recruited by Maryland, Boston College
Boston College Eagles football
The Boston College Eagles football team is the collegiate football program of Boston College. The team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, a Division I Bowl Subdivision league governed by the NCAA. Within the ACC, the Eagles are one of six teams in the Atlantic Division...
, Michigan
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes football
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports team of The Ohio State University. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA, playing at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division I-A, level. The team nickname is derived from the state...
, and West Virginia
West Virginia Mountaineers football
The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA FBS division of college football. Dana Holgorsen is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their...
. Philistin said one of the reasons he chose Maryland was because "The coaches were a great fit here. I wanted to go to a school that wasn't too far, but where I felt like I was on my own."
College career
At Maryland, Philistin majored in American studiesAmerican studies
American studies or American civilization is an interdisciplinary field dealing with the study of the United States. It traditionally incorporates the study of history, literature, and critical theory, but also includes fields as diverse as law, art, the media, film, religious studies, urban...
. In 2005
2005 Maryland Terrapins football team
The 2005 Maryland Terrapins football team represented the University of Maryland in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football season. It was the Terrapins' 53rd season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and its first within the...
, Phlistin saw action in 10 of 11 games as a true freshman reserve linebacker, and recorded seven tackles, five of which were solo, half of a tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry. In 2006
2006 Maryland Terrapins football team
The 2006 Maryland Terrapins football team represented the University of Maryland in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football season. It was the Terrapins' 54th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and its second within the...
, he played in all 13 games again as a reserve and also in a special teams role. Philistin started
Starting lineup
A starting lineup in sports is an official list of the set of players who will actively participate in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes or bench players.The starters are commonly the best...
twice at the "Sam" linebacker position. He recorded 15 solo tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.
2007
2007 Maryland Terrapins football team
The 2007 Maryland Terrapins football team represented the University of Maryland in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football season. It was the Terrapins' 55th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and its third within the...
was Philistin's breakout season, and he started in all 13 games at the "Mike" linebacker position. He recorded 124 total tackles, four broken-up passes, and one forced fumble and recovery. Philistin finished second on the team in total tackles, behind Erin Henderson
Erin Henderson
Erin Henderson is an American football linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Maryland.-Early years:...
, fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
(ACC), and 38th in the nation. He was named an All-ACC nominee.
In 2008
2008 Maryland Terrapins football team
The 2008 Maryland Terrapins football team represented the University of Maryland in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football season...
, he was moved to the "Will" linebacker position. He played in all 13 games and started in 12, despite suffering a shoulder injury. He again ranked second on the team in total tackles with 94, behind Alex Wujciak
Alex Wujciak
Alex Wujciak is an American football linebacker. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Maryland.-Early years:Wujciak was born on April 15, 1988 to Alan and Erin Wujciak in West Caldwell, New Jersey...
. In the upset win against 23rd-ranked California
2008 California Golden Bears football team
The 2008 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley in the college football 2008-2009 season. They played their home games at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California and are coached by Jeff Tedford...
, Philistin led the team with 13 tackles, including one for loss. ESPN named Philistin, alongside Moise Fokou
Moise Fokou
Moise Fokou is an American football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was selected by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Maryland and Frostburg State.-Early years:Fokou was born in Cameroon to parents...
, as one of the key impact players in that game.
Before the season, he was placed on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been awarded annually since 1993 to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the membership of the Football Writers Association of America to be the best defensively in the National Collegiate Athletic Association; the award is presented by the Charlotte...
and Lombardi Award
Lombardi Award
The Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
watchlists. Philistin was named a consensus preseason first-team All-ACC, first-team Sporting News, Blue Ribbon, and Lindy's and second-team Athlon player. Lindy's also ranked him as the 11th inside linebacker in that nation. He was also an All-ACC nominee.
Seattle Seahawks
Philistin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. The NFL Draft Scout had ranked Philistin 20th among 149 inside linebacker prospects for the 2009 draft
2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
. It said that, despite being undersized for the NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, he is an excellent tackler, especially against rushers. The Sporting News projected Philistin as a sixth-round selection, noting that his key strengths were intelligence, persistence, and an ability to quickly read the run. It noted that his size might predispose him towards being a career reserve, although he was considered "a solid late-round pick for a team in a 3–4 scheme."
Las Vegas Locomotives
Philistin was signed by the Las Vegas LocomotivesLas Vegas Locomotives
The Las Vegas Locomotives are a professional American football team based in Las Vegas, Nevada who play in the United Football League. The team plays its home games in Sam Boyd Stadium, home field for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jim Fassel is the franchise's head coach, president, and...
of the United Football League on May 11, 2011.
External links
- Dave Philistin meets the Space Needle, The DiamondbackThe DiamondbackThe Diamondback is the independent student newspaper of the University of Maryland, College Park. It was founded in 1910 as The Triangle and renamed in 1921 in honor of a local reptile, the Diamondback terrapin...
, April 27, 2009.