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DeBartolo Sports University | Steve Clarkson Quarterback Academies

	Player Diaries

Kelly Hilinski, Our Lady of Assumption

04/22/08 - Kelly Hilinski, Our Lady of Assumption

DSU: What would you classify as your strengths at the quarterback position?
KH: I’ve always been taller than most kids my age and sometimes that didn’t always seem like a good thing. As I’m getting older I realize that as I catch up to my body what an advantage my height really is. Being able to see over the line of scrimmage along makes finding the open receiver easier. But height is God given. I’ve always been a two-sport athlete and my arm strength, durability, and my grasp of the game so far have been my biggest assets on the field. I’m improving my speed and agility and when combined these traits will give me the ability to make the play my team needs each down.

DSU: Who has been your role model or anyone who has strongly influenced your playing career?
KH: My Dad is my role model. He has helped me so much on and off the field. My Dad and my family have given me the confidence and opportunities to become a better player and a person. We have a saying at home, “what you do today and tomorrow is more important than what you did yesterday.” It’s because of my Dad and my family I realize that attitude, hard work, and leadership can be the difference between success and failure, regardless of your natural ability.

DSU: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
KH: I always try to eat right. I like turkey and cheddar on sourdough and milk or spaghetti the night before a game. Last year when my All-Star baseball team went to the State Finals, I labeled all my clothes (I have 2 younger brothers) and even laid out which sock for each foot.

DSU: Who are your three favorite NFL quarterbacks?
KH: My favorite NFL quarterbacks past and present are Joe Montana and Tom Brady. I just really admired how Phillip Rivers played his last playoff game with a torn ACL. I believe that you leave it on the field every game, and that was amazing.

DSU: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
KH: I like to hang out with my family and friends. My brothers and I play ball a lot and are competitive about everything from grades to Madden. I like to watch the Discovery Channel and go scuba diving.

DSU: Do you have a list of favorite colleges?
KH: I grew up rooting for Notre Dame. I went to baseball camp there last summer with my brother Tyler and stayed in Alumni Hall. I’m going back this summer for their football camp. It’s such a great campus with a great history and tradition. Being here today with Dayne Crist and Casey Clausen (Jimmy Clausen’s brother) shows me the caliber of athlete and type of person Notre Dame commands. After Notre Dame I’d have to say UCLA, Harvard, Stanford, and Florida (for the strength of Coach Meyer and Tim Tebow alone).

Ambassador College Diary:

Nobody needs to be reminded that it was close to 100 degrees today and I know I’m tired but what a great day. I was on the same field as Hall of Fame Quarterback, Joe Montana, our Head Coach, Steve Clarkson, and future Notre Dame Freshman, Dayne Crist. I feel very fortunate to be working with Steve and all the coaches in a place that brings so much talent.

Steve and all his coaches on the field, and everyone at Steve Clarkson QB Academy, Chris, Tara, Donald, everybody here makes you feel like you are family. Even a newcomer like me gets the attention from some of the strongest coaches in the program. I just feel that these are smart guys who know what they are doing and talking about. While I value my time with all the coaches today I rally enjoyed working with Casey, Anton and Tim. Tim is always so positive and energetic. I love to work with him on my ability to throw on the run. Casey’s LB read drill was new this time and his playing experience comes through in what he says. Anton is great because he keeps it loose and fun at 100 degrees while recognizing where to put the ball when a linebacker drops to cover the flat route. Coach Dickinson even taught me how to use Madden to get different looks at coverages-how cool is that?

Today was special with Joe Montana being here. He really impressed us that strength and speed aren’t all it takes to be a successful quarterback. He stressed that what’s really important is what’s inside your head and how to recognize and reach your receivers. Watching and listening to Steve point out what made Joe such a great QB-even the small things reminds me why I’m here-you cant’ et this much experience in one place any other program. Kneeling on the 30 yard line and listening to Joe Montana tell and show us some of the little things Coach Bill Walsh used to drill into him during their time together in San Francisco were by far the highlight of my day.

From my standpoint I know I worked hard and aside from a few wobbly throws I was happy with my ball today. I need to continue to understand how my feet affect my throw. It was a long day and I was competing as hard at the beginning as I as at the end. There remains plenty to get better at.

This is a program I would absolutely recommend. DeBartolo Sports University is so well organized and talented as a group you need to just bring your cleats and be ready to learn. I was nervous the first time with so many well known quarterbacks on the field and scouts in the stands and media all over the field. Just like what happens in a game, once we start working its all football all day and everyone is there for the same reason. They want to learn more about how to play this position as well as they can. Having top receivers also at the camp to throw to makes the drills that much better. There are some strong guys out here with us. I have one more year before I start high school and I’m really looking forward to working with Steve and all the coaches at the Steve Clarkson Academy. I want to be ready for high school and know I’m on the right path.

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