To see Darius Fleming and Steve Filer sitting, joking and jawing together, it would be impossible to recognize there is an important position competition going on between the two high school buddies.
The two sophomores from Chicago share compliments like hits to running backs, so much so, it almost seems like they are each other’s campaign managers.
 |
|
Fleming recorded 24 tackles on defense and special teams last season as a freshman.
|
“There’s no animosity towards (Filer) just because we are playing the same position,” Fleming said. “If he’s the starter and I was not, I would be on the sideline helping him out as much as I can when he’s out there. It’s just a teamwork kind of thing.”
Filer and Fleming – or is it Fleming and Filer – are in a wide-open battle with fifth-year senior Scott Smith for the Sam (strong-side) linebacker position. Fleming has the advantage in production and experience with 24 tackles as both a special teams ace and backup defensive end last season. Filer has more familiarity within the position unit after appearing in 11 games last season as a backup linebacker, and on special teams.
“I think me and Darius are on a pretty level playing field,” Filer said. “I think both of us are going to get a lot of playing time just because we’re both athletes, and we’re both quick to the ball, and we both can get off the ball pretty fast. So I think we’re both going to get a lot of playing time.”
When it comes to trash talking, Filer admitted that some of it goes on. How couldn’t it between two former high school rivals? But the respect and friendship these two share cuts deeper than any position competition or verbal warfare ever could.
“It’s your teammate so you don’t focus on things like that,” Fleming said. “We’re competing for a spot, yes, but at the same time, that’s my teammate and we’re just trying to help each other get better. Whatever we can do to help each other, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Filer agreed, saying that there is plenty of bravado in the film room, but on the field, it’s about working together to reach one common goal.
“It’s competitive in the sense you see it on film and you’re like, ‘oh, I made that play, I made this play,’ and things like that,” Filer said. “But in a sense of just competing and just being like standoffish to each other, we’re not like that at all. We support each other on the field as well as in the meeting room.”
Manti’s Mentor
Sophomore defensive lineman Ethan Johnson is obviously uncomfortable when he is asked about being a “mentor” to all-everything linebacker recruit Manti Te’o.
Charlie Weis said this week that because Johnson came in under similar circumstances – a top recruit expected to make immediate contributions – the logical thing was to send Te’o to Johnson for any questions or concerns.
Johnson said the two knew each other during high school and became closer friends after “hanging out” this summer, but not necessarily close enough for Johnson to offer much unsolicited behavior advice.
“I’m an older guy. I’ve been through it. That’s as a much of a mentor as I can be for him. I’m not some wise old man,” Johnson said. “The only advice I can give him is to keep on doing your thing. People are going to be people, and people are going to treat you like they are going to treat you, but just do your thing.”
Johnson said coming to campus a well-known recruit brings a special set of challenges, mainly, the added attention from the veterans within the same position unit.
“Guys are going to check you out more,” he said. “They’re not necessarily threatened, but they are going to notice you a lot more, maybe even be more standoffish…It’s not like they are going to treat you badly because you start over them, but there’s that instant, just resentment, I’m sure.”
Johnson said Te’o is a funny guy who has fit right in because he is a great storyteller.
Unfortunately…
“There is no story I can share,” Johnson said. “They’re not inappropriate. They are just completely outlandish.”
.jpg)
