"I interviewed Western Michigan secondary coach, Tim Daoust, recently to discuss free safety, Louis Delmas. Film review is obviously a big part of evaluating NFL Draft prospects. However, it is helpful to gain some insight into the mental make-up or character of a player by discussing his career with someone who has worked closely with him. The following is a summary of our discussion:
Denis Krusos: What type of person is Louis Delmas?
Coach Daoust: I think Louis is a phenomenal kid. He comes to work everyday and has a thirst for knowledge. He is hungry to improve and when things get tough he is steady. You can depend upon him. He is the best player on the team and our pulse.
Denis Krusos: Describe his responsibilities in your defense?
Coach Daoust: Louis is technically our free safety, but he has such good instincts that we put him all over to make plays or cover for others. He is so knowledgeable that he allows us to tailor his responsibilities for the opponent. We may need him in coverage more against one opponent or in the box predominately against another.
Denis Krusos: What is his greatest strength in your opinion?
Coach Daoust: What stands out about Louis is not just his outstanding instincts, but the reckless abandon with which he plays. He throws his body around with no regard for it.
Denis Krusos: What does he need to work on?
Coach Daoust: He will miss some tackles because he loves to hit hard. He can get a little out of control. He did improve this year at staying more under control. Louis can also work on his man cover skills.
Denis Krusos: Tell me more about his practice and film review habits?
Coach Daoust: Louis comes eager to work everyday, so his practice habits are excellent. He really stepped it up this year as a senior in terms of film review. Plus, he carries over what he sees on film into games and practices. Some players may watch film, but they do not implement observations and carry it over to the field. He does.
Denis Krusos: Louis appears to be a bit undersized for a safety in the NFL. What about his body build?
Coach Daoust: He is a bit undersized at about 5’11” and 195 pounds. He has the frame to carry 10 more pounds. He has a hard time keeping weight on. His diet can be improved. He sometimes skips breakfast and with better nutrition should be able to gain some solid weight.
Denis Krusos: Would you say Louis is better in pass coverage or run support at this point?
Coach Daoust: I would lean toward run support because he just loves to tackle.
Denis Krusos: How does he stack up when covering tight ends and wide receivers?
Coach Daoust: Louis is fearless and will take on big tight ends. He has the hips and feet to cover a slot receiver. I can see him being even a cover-2 cornerback at the next level.
Denis Krusos: This has been Louis’ finest season. What do you attribute it to?
Coach Daoust: He has stayed healthy this year. I thought he was the best player on the team even as a sophomore, but he was nicked up a bit. We eased up a little on his practices and that may have helped keep him fresher.
Denis Krusos: Is there a story or something that happened that stands out in your mind about Louis Delmas?
Coach Daoust: There was a boy who lived in one of the local shelters and Louis was friends with one of the women who worked in the cafeteria. This woman brought the boy to watch practice. Louis met the boy and befriended him. He told the boy to do well in school. The boy was struggling in school, but was so inspired by Louis that he raised his grades and improved his effort. Louis keeps in touch with the child and serves as a positive role model. That is Louis.
Western Michigan safety, Louis Delmas, has caught my eye because he is all over the field. Football fans should try and see him play on December 30th in the Texas Bowl when Western Michigan takes on Rice (NFL Network, 8pm Eastern)."
