Clarkston native Alex Delisi is making a name for himself in the football world. Delisi will be a senior at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the fall and has already attracted attention from some big name colleges.
According to Delisi, he’s talked with almost every Big Ten school, Arizona State, California, Boston College, Vanderbilt and Illinois. The Fighting Illini have already offered him a scholarship.
‘They all like my size, my strength and my speed,? Delisi said. ‘They like that ratio. There is a ratio between how big you are and how fast you are. I’m fast for my size. I’m 220 pounds and I run a 4.5 (40-yard dash).?
With all the different schools showing interest in him, Delisi said he is trying to keep an open mind. He said he wants to find the school that fits all his needs.
‘I’m really trying to stay open in all my choices,? Delisi said. ‘Every school will tell you how great they are, but will that school fit Alex? Will it fit my needs both academically and athletically? I’m really looking at everybody right now.?
Last season Delisi played inside linebacker and finished with 124 tackles, including 71 solo tackles, one interception, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles for the Eaglets.
Delisi’s play helped St. Mary’s go undefeated in the regular season and win the Catholic League. The Eaglets also won a Division 2 district title before they fell to Brother Rice, who went on to win the state championship. But Delisi said his biggest accomplishment came after the season.
‘At the end of last season, I was named captain,? Delisi said. ‘I think Coach (George) Porritt named me captain because of my work ethic.?
Delisi said he has not came up with any individual goals for next season, but his goal as captain is simple.
‘Winning a state championship is my only goal,? Delisi said. ‘If we win, colleges will come. If I work hard and perform on the field, the colleges will come.?
St. Mary’s should be a contender for a state championship. The Eaglets return key players on both sides of the ball from last season’s team. which went 11-1. Delisi said the coaching staff will have the team ready for next season.
‘St. Mary’s has a great coaching staff,? Delisi said. ‘Coach Porritt is a phenomenal coach and his assistants are amazing. They really build athletes. As soon as last season ended we were in the weight room getting ready for the next season.?
Academics are also very important to Delisi, who had a 4.0 GPA during the first half the school year. Delisi had not received his second half grades at press time. He said academics will play a key role in his college decision and his goal after football is to be a doctor.
‘I want to be an orthopedic surgeon so I can help people,? Delisi said. ‘I like athletics and whenever my career ends I know I have to have a day job. I want to stay around athletics, so I figured why not help people when they are hurt. I like helping people out and science is my best subject in school, so I figured it’s a perfect fit.?
Delisi attended Everest Academy and played football for the Clarkston Chiefs. He said he still keeps an interest in his hometown’s team.
‘Clarkston has an excellent football program,? Delisi said. ‘I keep up with the team and come to some of their games. I support them.?
Last season, St. Mary’s and Clarkston scrimmaged with Clarkston coming out on top. Delisi said he is looking forward to when the two teams scrimmage in August.