Conversation With Lisle Athlete Tony DeWald Class Of 2025 - Name To Look Out For
So, in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for lllinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know, but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Dish Football is respected in the IHSA. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Tony DeWald Lisle Athlete Class of 2025 5'10 150
Tony DeWald how was your freshman season?
Before the season even got started, a former Lisle player (Michael Walker) and upperclassman (Gabe Quinones) reached out to me to let me know what to expect at Lisle HS and let me know that they had my back. That was a big help coming in as a freshman. It was definitely a learning curve and a challenge. At the start of the season, I was playing with JV and practicing with Varsity going back and forth. But I think when it all clicked for me was the Westmont game with the Varsity squad which was definitely one of my favorite games ever.
What does football mean to you?
Football is my favorite thing in the world. When I'm not playing, I help coach youth teams. Last year I was the DC for a 14u team (Downers Grove Panthers) and this season I will be helping with the (IL Outlaws) a 12u team out of Elgin. It's like I have this great thing, like a life hack and I just want to share it with everyone I meet so they can know what it's like to be a part of a football team. I'm pretty sure I have tried to get every kid at Lisle HS to sign up for football at some point this year and I don't plan on stopping in the years to come.
What was your favorite memory from last season?
I would say getting 2 picks in a blowout win vs our rivals was definitely my favorite. It was a great environment that night and I was just glad to be a part of it.
What do you feel is your strongest trait on the football field?
On Defense I feel like my field vision and awareness is my strongest trait. I just see things play out in my head before the snap of the ball and react. On Offense my speed and hands are definitely my best traits.
What part of your game do you plan on working on in the off season?
I would say my athleticism overall. You can never have too much of it and I want to be ready to play any position on the field that I'm asked to play.
What would you like college coaches to know about you?
I feed off being challenged. I literally keep a list of who the best guys are from every game I play, every camp I go to and I will not be happy until I reach or surpass their level in my own head. Then it's on to the next guy and there will always be a "next guy" So I will never quit working.
What goals do you have for yourself this upcoming season?
To earn a starting spot on Varsity and to BEAT BYRON in the playoffs! They ended our season last year and a few years back as well. When I was just a little guy coming to lisle games on Friday nights they broke my heart and I still have not let it go.
How does Lisle look for the upcoming season?
We are looking strong. We have a great group of JRs coming back starting with the big guys Chris Farrell and Joe Raineri. They are the real deal. The Nigro brothers (Dom and Drew) can play every skill position on the field. We also have a crazy amount of under the radar players that are going to make some noise this season. Casey Rosenberg is going to turn some heads and break some ankles for sure.
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