We played Youngstown State in 1999 and except for muffing the opening kickoff we dominated a team that eventually played for the I-AA title. Dew characterized the main difference between D-I and D2 teams in terms of linemen. I linemen generally are bigger and faster than their D2 equivalents. From an athletic talent standpoint, however, he disputed the notion that D2 linemen are inferior athletes. An interesting comment made several times through our interview with Dew was the notion that major D-I teams don t want to take a chance on smaller players, which Dew clearly suggested was a mistake.
Some guys come out of high school and are far from reaching their peak.
But bigger guys get the nod when it comes to recruiting by the D-I units. The D-I schools are looking for the prototype player and pass over those who don t measure up physically. I the guys who are bigger and faster. Over time, the D2 guys end up being just as good as the guys picked by D-I teams, Dew suggested. We have guys here that could have played at the D-I level.