Lineman Diberardo “fighting and finishing” on the gridiron (VIDEO)

CFC INSIDER

Knights standout takes in official visits with OUA schools and south of the border.

St. Thomas More Knights lineman John Diberardo has learned from a chief gridiron influence that he is not a doormat.

John Diberardo

Positions:
Offensive Line (Guard/Center), Defensive Line (Tackle)

Height/Weight:
6’2, 300 lbs

Teams:
St. Thomas More Knights (high school: HWCAA)
Hamilton Hurricanes (OFC)
St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves (high school: HWCAA)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
Waterloo, McMaster

Considerations:
Waterloo, McMaster, Open

Class:
2017

John Diberardo 2 2015

Diberardo began his gridiron career in grade nine.  Among the teams he has suited up for during his career include St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association (HWCAA) and Hamilton Hurricanes of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

“My best friend Nick Baldini got me to try out for the Hamilton Hurricanes and I fell in love with football,” recalled the lineman of his gridiron beginnings.

In his grade eleven year, Diberardo transferred schools which prompted him to suit up for HWCAA’s St. Thomas More Knights. In 2015, he captained the Knights to an OFSAA Bowl victory.

John Diberardo 4

Additionally, the lineman has represented his province as a member of Team Ontario where he helped the squad win a silver medal at the 2015 Football Canada Cup in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Diberardo has previously participated in the International Bowl on two different occasions.

“Every football season I play is a memorable one,” reflected Diberardo on his gridiron career.  “I mean every team I play on is a band of brothers that we build a brotherhood we stand behind each other and we have each other’s back.”

“Last year, winning the City Championship was amazing but I think winning OFSAA topped it just a little or playing in the gold medal game of the Football Canada Cup against Quebec.”

In his quest to achieve success on the gridiron, Diberardo trains daily.

“I work out every day after school till four o’clock,” described the Knights lineman.  “I follow the workout program my coaches at STM have put together for our team and from that; I’ve hit a max of 335 pound bench and working at it.”

John Diberardo 3 2015

Furthermore, Diberardo credits the encouragement and motivation from several individuals for enabling him to achieve his goals on and off the field.

“My mom is really there for me throughout everything we do; I do really do appreciate all the support I get from her,” expressed Diberardo.  “Coaches have taught me a lot.”

“I mean from the Football Canada Cup Coach [Glen] Mills taught me in life you can’t be a doormat and let people walk all over you once in a while.  You have to stand up for yourself and put up a fight as well.  I learned you never give up on everything no matter what you’re doing in life you have to “finish” as in football you finish your block your run your route whatever you do you finish it.”

Photo credit: Jennifer Silvestri

Photo credit: Jennifer Silvestri

As for the recruitment process, the offensive lineman has already taken in visits with a pair of OUA schools – Waterloo and McMaster.  Additionally, he has gone south of the border to tour NCAA Division 3 school Buffalo College State.

“The recruitment process has been exciting yet very stressful for me,” added Diberardo, who plans on taking in more official visits in the coming weeks and months.  “I love the attention I’m getting but at times it could be overwhelming so I just step back and appreciate all the love I’m getting as a recruit.”

No matter where he lands after his high school graduation in 2017, the Knights standout is focused and determined in achieving his main objectives on the gridiron and in life.

“My goal is to become a police officer and I think whatever university I go to, if I work hard enough I’ll reach my goal,” said Diberardo.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)

 

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Leave a Reply