Chiefs UDFA: DL Dion Gales
by Matt_Grbac on May 14, 2009 1:15 PM CDT
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PrintFrom the FanPosts. -Chris
"Nobody scares us," Gales said. "Where I’m from, it ain’t how big or small a man is, it’s the size of the fight in them.
"I’ll be doggone if I let another man beat me, that’s just my attitude. I’m not scared of another man."
That is the kind of attitude that the Kansas City Chiefs need from their new players. Dion was quoted saying that before they played LSU.
via image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com
After being named 2003 New Orleans Player of the Year in High School, where he recorded 63 tackles and 16 sacks for John F Kennedy, Dion was very highly touted by big schools. He made official visits to Miami, LSU, Michigan State, and Ole Miss where he signed his letter of intent in 2004. But the bad news came on his way to Ole Miss to start school. His coach called him and told him he was not qualified by NCAA. So back to Louisiana he went.
"I did not know what to do. I was pretty much in denial. I was in shock. Man, I was ready to make a name for myself in the SEC. You know, where the whole nation could see me play," added Dion Gales.
To keep from missing any playing time, Dion enrolled in Gulf Coast Community College. Tragedy struck again in Dion's life. It came in the form of a Hurricane. Hurricane Katrina struck Dion's family and friends and just shook everyone up. Luckily for Dion, his family and friends were not hurt.
"When everything came out, nobody was hurt. I said to myself, OK, what if my mother or aunt or anybody for that matter would have gotten killed? It made me look at life a lot differently. I said to myself that I was going to make something out of myself and do something for my folks," said Dion.
In his first season at Gulf, Dion recorded 44 tackles and 6 sacks.
Dion ended up signing with Troy in 2007.
Troy Stats
Senior - 62 tackles 5.5 sacks 15.5 tackles for loss 12 QB hurries
Junior - 30 tackles 3 sacks 8 tackles for loss
Dion Gales by the Numbers
6'4", 274lbs on Official Troy Pro Day. Not the 6'7", 290lbs that some have listed.
Bench Press - 225lbs at 15 reps; Ran 40yrd dash at 4.96 and had a vertical leap of 28".
NFL Comparison - Alex Magee
Alex Magee came out of college playing both DT and DE. Dion Gales played NT but has the size and speed to play both. Alex Magee measured in at 6'3 298lbs compared to Dion at 6'4 274lbs. Alex ran the 40 at 5.09 to Dion's 4.96. Biggest difference, Alex is a 3rd round pick and Dion is an UDFA.
Prediction for Dion Gales - I say Dion could come in and immediately try for our 3/4 DE spot as was recently posted. If Dion could gain some good weight, like 20-30lbs he could go for his natural NT spot. The bad thing is that he is not as big as some sites put him and his 15 reps on the bench is far from impressive. I say Dion could be in our DE rotation at some point in the season.
Sorry I could not find any videos on this guy whatsoever....if you can find any please post them. Thanks.
Any feedback on what you think of Dion Gales would be appreciated.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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Is that Basquiat? Back from the dead?
Did his dad stab him in the as after finding him having gay sex with his cousin?
I do not snort the coke I only smoke...sensimilla.
Undersized for a NT
He may be okay as a DE but again strength could be an issue. Though benchpress may not be an accurate criteria to judge his strength, but just 15 reps with 225 lbs concern me.
On the contrary, Tyson Jackson also had only 20 reps at 225 lbs while weighing around 22 lbs more than Gales. Only time will tell…
Honestly I think bench press reps are overrated.
Technique and skill make up for lack of size, in my opinion. I also think 40-time and height and weight measurements are overrated though.
Dion
Gales has had to go through a lot to get to where he is today. I think that helps mold a player into being tough. What he lacks in some areas he will make up for in sheer determination. Some guys would quit if the road got too rocky, but Gales has made to the NFL. I think Pioli and Haley can appreciate how Gales got to where he is. All it takes it some good coaching to get Dion to where he needs to be fundementaly. I am personally a fan of any guy who has a long and bumpy road and still makes it. Good Luck Dion!
Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!
Nice post Matt
This helps me get some perspective on the guy. Still not sure if he would be anything more than camp fodder though?
Thanks
I hate not knowing about guys on our team. After learning a little about him I couldnt help but pull for him. He sounds like he has the desire to compete and win. Hopefully Haley and Pendergast like his work.
Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!
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