The Bishop Walsh Spartans were considered a “young” football team this past season. They were a team who usually set a five wide spread offense, going to the air to march down the field.
This season however, the 4-6 Cumberland school, playing an independent schedule, introduced a secret weapon – freshman Dylan D’Atri. This 5-foot-10-inch, 165-pound freshman just set the area’s rushing record and shows immense promise.
A three-sport athlete, D’Atri spent three years competing in Bishop Walsh’s middle school football program, so Spartan head coach Paul Miller knew what he was about to inherit as the fall season approached.
“Dylan has brought an incredible diversity to our game with his ground game and tireless work ethic,” said Miller. “He has a goal to play at the next level.”
Miller said that D’Atri, who kept the Spartans close in every game this season, is humble and often shies away from the attention that his stats are bringing to the small Allegany County Catholic school.
On the 2007 season, D’Atri had 194 carries for 1,477 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a receiver, he nabbed 16 catches for 245 yards and one score. On special teams, D’Atri returned 18 kick-offs for 412 yards. And to sweeten the pot, D’Atri also played on the defensive end as the Spartans’ weak outside linebacker, making 88 tackles, of which 66 were solo tackles. He had two fumble recoveries and one interception.
Coach Miller said that D’Atri sees the field very well and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. D’Atri attends area combines and looks to improve his game.