Dallas Sillman '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Dallas Sillman and I LOVE the game of football. There is nothing like having a team that is like family and I enjoy showcasing my leadership skills in that regard. For almost 15 years, I have been told that I am a very coachable kid with a high football IQ. I believe that I have proven that by playing both offense and defense (sometimes both at the same time), and always being readily adaptable to any position on the field. I feel confident in my ability to visualize how the opposition will move while on the line of scrimmage, and I am very responsive to criticism and eager to learn from my mistakes. I began playing football at the age of 3. I was always pretty big for my age, so I played with kids that were a year older than me. I can't really recall what exactly made me interested in football, but I'm certain that my dad throwing the ball with me as soon as I could walk probably contributed greatly to my passion for the game. By the time I began playing tackle football at age 6, I had gained quite a bit of skill in throwing the ball and I loved tackling! It was around that time that I also began consuming every piece of information I could by listening to my dad and watching ESPN Game Day and Monday Night Football. I was indelibly HOOKED and wanted nothing more than to play year-round. While playing youth league ball, I was fortunate to be coached by several very patient and kind volunteers. One of my biggest trepidations during that time period was, like many children, control of my emotions. I hated to miss a tackle on defense or get sacked before finding a receiver on offense. I hated it to the point of helmet throwing and I would emotionally beat myself up relentlessly. My parents recognized that I need some help with emotional regulation and found that for me. By the time I was 10 years old, I had earned more emotional coping mechanisms than most adults have and I’m proud to say that I have been using them successfully ever since. Though successful in that regard, I continue to demand perfection from my performance and while I still find disappointment with myself when imperfect, I do use that emotion to drive myself to do better with each passing moment. My biggest influences in football are without a doubt, JJ Watt, my many coaches and my father. That said, I am blessed to be a child of God and give all the glory to Him with the blessings He has provided. My influencers have all instilled a sense of humility, the importance of integrity, and how to lead with a servant heart. Without each of their influence on my personal character development over the years, I know I wouldn't be half the person I  am today. At 6’6. I’ve been told by so manv people that "you can't coach size." But I also know that you can't coach attitude and I'm so grateful to have always been surrounded by people that put expectations on my performance while guiding me through embodying the true character of a team plaver. It has given me the gift of perseverance and determination with all things I set out to accomplish. Even though you can't coach size, you also can't coach putting solid weight on a very tall and lanky frame during these growing years and it continues to be my biggest challenge to date. I am blessed with my mama's height and my dad's muscle structure but growing very quickly has presented a challenge in keeping on the weight I need to really bulk up for my position. My dad is a Houston Firefighter and certified Cross Fit instructor, so my home influence for strength, fitness, and nutrition has been present since the day I was born. I am grateful that my parents put so much effort into helping me eat right and train right, but working out 4 days a week in 100+ degree weather just melts those pounds right off of my frame. As I look toward my senior year of high school and my future, playing football at the collegiate level is my absolute dream; but I don't want to dismiss my academic pursuits. While still undecided, I am leaning toward a degree path in the bio-sciences or law enforcement. Both avenues intrigue me for different reasons and I'm looking forward to evaluating those choices during my senior year. Obtaining a Bachelor's degree is a priority for me and something that my family has encouraged since preschool. In closing, I would be remiss if I didn't share that my ultimate goal is to play in the NFL. My passion continues to burn brighter every day that I'm able to play and I think that you'll find I would be a great asset to any team that desires to take a chance on this kid