Dom Amore: How, and ‘why’ UConn found this promising linebacker in an unusual place (Oumar Diomande)

[huskymedic]

-> New York City’s public high schools, for example, may not be known as places to find major college football talent, but Siriki Diabate did get to Syracuse from the Bronx, and when he started coaching and looking for linebackers for UConn in 2022, he went out to his old neighborhoods. And there he found Oumar Diomande.

“Coach Siriki is from New York, so him finding me was a huge thing,” said Diomande, who earned his first start at inside linebacker for the Huskies on Saturday, “and a huge thing for the team, too. Where I went to high school, we hadn’t had a D-1 athlete in 13 years, so I guess I was a lucky guy.” <-

-> Every step of the way, Diomande has worked closely with Diabate to gain his spot on the defense, alongside grad transfer Tyquan King at inside linebacker in Brock’s rebuilt defense.

“He’s really been that guy for me, a second father,” Diomande said. “Coming from New York, finding me in New York, teaching me since I was a freshman. He’s always been hard on me, but I know that was a good thing for me. He always reminded me of my ‘why,’ my mom, my dad, and he always told me to be that guy, be confident. He always had to remind me to be confident.” <-

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Chin Diesel]

The kid looked the part and played the part. I don't think it's a stretch to say he'll ne a fan favorite. Plays downhill and with aggression.

 

[huskymedic]

-> “It was kind of hard film,” Mora said. “You couldn’t hardly find him on the film, because it was like someone videotaped it on their phone. But Siriki (Diabate, UConn linebackers coach) went and saw him and spent time with him and learned about him and his background. There was something there that spoke to Siriki. They had a bit of a similar background.

“He fit the profile. He is a 6-foot-1, 245-pound guy who is smart and is physically tough. He is kind of stoic and fits the stereotype of what an inside linebacker looks like.” <-

 

[Chin Diesel]

-> “It was kind of hard film,” Mora said. “You couldn’t hardly find him on the film, because it was like someone videotaped it on their phone. But Siriki (Diabate, UConn linebackers coach) went and saw him and spent time with him and learned about him and his background. There was something there that spoke to Siriki. They had a bit of a similar background.

“He fit the profile. He is a 6-foot-1, 245-pound guy who is smart and is physically tough. He is kind of stoic and fits the stereotype of what an inside linebacker looks like.” <-

Interesting. On the team website and on the depth chart, he is listed as 230 lbs. Mora throws out 245lbs like it's common knowledge.

See my post above. I like the way the kid plays.