Quarterback Coach Joe Dickinson with University of Toledo commit Travis Smith Sometimes I forget how hard the journey’s been… to train that long and that hard with only Coach Dickinson and my family alongside me. But it was all worth it.

Five DeBartolo Sports University (DSU) private quarterback training clients have committed to Division I football programs, including the top-rated class of 2014 quarterback, David Cornwell who plans to attend the University of Alabama. Each athlete has been privately trained and assisted in his respective recruiting process by DSU private quarterback coach and former University of Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator (1983-85, 1996-98) Joe Dickinson.

The other Division I athletes who credit Dickinson as being largely responsible for their development include: Alexander Diamont (Indiana University commit), Travis Smith (University of Toledo commit), Landon Root (Northern Illinois University commit), and Rafe Peavey (University of Arkansas commit).

“I’m proud of all of the young men that have committed this year,” said Dickinson, who has over 25 years of Division I college coaching experience. “All of the training, college visits, and meetings we’ve had together have really paid off for them. They’ve worked hard to be in the positions they’re in, and I’m humbled to have played a role in their journeys to play college football. Each has a bright future in football and will be extremely successful at their respective colleges.”

Dickinson, who trains quarterbacks exclusively through DeBartolo Sports University, is recognized by many NFL, college and high school coaches and quarterbacks as one of the most influential developers of QBs in the country. He has trained Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman, Philadelphia Eagles QB Matt Barkley and Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman.

Below are salient facts about each of the recent DSU class of 2014 commits:

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David Cornwell (Norman North High School, Norman, OK):

Cornwell is the top-rated pocket-passer in the country according to ESPN and was selected to participate in the national 2013 Elite 11 competition.

“David has great size but he can also play the game with his feet. He’s a great scrambler. He has a big arm,” Dickinson said.

Said Cornwell, “Sometimes I forget how hard the journey’s been… to train that long and that hard with only Coach Dickinson and my family alongside me. But it was all worth it. Coach D developed a strong-armed kid into a passer through footwork and hip drills until we found my stroke. The journey was long and it’s not over, but I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”

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Travis Smith (Ithaca High School, Ithaca, MI):

Smith, a three-time state champion, has won every high school game he has started.

“His state championships speak a lot to his talent. He’s a very smooth operator, and he deserves all of the Division One offers he’s received,” Dickinson said.

Said Smith, “Meeting and training with Coach D helped me more than I will ever be able to describe. He made me a better player and helped me get looks from college coaches.”

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Landon Root (Wichita Collegiate High School, Wichita, KS):

Root began his high school career with an undefeated freshman season and has been a standout three-sport athlete all three years of his high school career (football, baseball, basketball). He enters his senior season focusing solely on football.

“[Landon] is one of the most athletic quarterbacks I’ve ever worked with. He’s very fast for his size. He’s just coming into his own, I believe, because he’s been a three-sport athlete through his high school career,” Dickinson said.

Said Root, “Joe D has shaped me into quarterback that I am today. All the years of intense training [with Coach D] helped me get into the 1% club and ultimately earn a scholarship. The mechanics he teaches are the best around and I couldn’t ask for a better quarterback coach.”

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Rafe Peavey (Bolivar High School, Bolivar, MI):

The 6-foot-2, 210lb Peavey committed to Arkansas over offers from Auburn, Kansas State, Nebraska, UCLA, West Virginia, and others.

“Rafe is strong and hardworking, a very good foot athlete. He has the arm strength that you need to make all the throws. When I work with him, he’s all ears, ready to learn and improve,” Dickinson said.

Said Peavey, “Coach D (Dickinson) has helped shape me into the quarterback I am today. There is no one else like him. He knows how to get the best out of you and prepare you for big time college football. I’ll continue to train with him my entire career.”

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Alexander Diamont (Venice High School, Venice, CA):

Diamont threw for nearly 3,000 yards his junior season and his team is the favorite to win the city championship in Los Angeles, Calif., this season.

“Alexander is a very athletic, talented quarterback. He can really spin it out of his hand—he has a very quick release. I’ve known and coached him since he was 11—he loves the game,” Dickinson said.

Said Diamont, “I couldn’t be happier with my commitment to Indiana University. I’m so blessed to have found such a great fit for myself. I have to thank Coach D because without him none of this would have been possible. Joe D has mechanically refined me as a quarterback and been my guidance along the path of getting a Division I scholarship.”

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About DeBartolo Sports University

Founded by Edward DeBartolo Jr., five-time Super Bowl Championship owner of the San Francisco 49ers, DeBartolo Sports University helps athletes improve and realize their potentials through first-class quarterback and receiver training programs. For more information, visit http://www.DeBartoloFootballAcademy.com.

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