Anthony Chikillo not used at Miami to his strengths.

According to the bio of Chikillo, he came to Miami as a highly touted Highschool pass rusher at 240lbs and bulked up to 280lbs to play DE in the Miami 3-4.  Some of his comments since leaving Miami seem to indicate he wasn't happy with how he was used, but took the high road and just played out his career.

Chickillo, a former five-star prospect whose sack totals declined in each of his four years at UM, made comments during an in-game sideline interview that alluded to his talents being wasted in college.

Chickillo entered college as a 6-foot-4, 240-pound pass-rusher. Instead of a 4-3 setup that calls for defensive linemen to rush upfield, UM coach Al Golden and defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio run a 3-4 style that called for Chickillo to bulk up – he’s now 6-4, 280 – and control blockers, often leaving others to finish plays.

Chickillo didn’t publicly gripe about this. D’Onofrio and Golden repeatedly praised him for his leadership. D’Onofrio said on multiple occasions he was not concerned about Chickillo’s lack of production.



Chikillo responded to tweets about the Miami staff not best using his talents.


Anthony Chickillo  ‎@Chickillo71  

I have taken the high road my whole career at Miami. too all of the miami fans that act like there with me now..I'll take it one more time..


http://caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/01/20/anthony-chickillo-seems-happy-to-leave-miami-hurricanes-defensive-system/


Below is a report of his pro day after he dropped weight.  Interesting that his combine 3 cone, short shuttle, vertical and 40 time are all pretty much the same or better than Nate Orchard, yet he was 17lbs heavier than Orchard at the combine.  I think this kid is gonna be a pleasant surprise.

* Defensive end Anthony Chickillo, who looked even lighter than he did at the combine (when he measured 6-3, 267), looked like a much more explosive player than he was as a 280-pound strong-side defensive end at UM. “Very twitchy” was Walford’s assessment. “Quick. Fast.”

Kevin Greene

Anthony Chickillo seems happy to leave Miami Hurricanes defensive system

 January 20, 2015 | Filed in: 2014 season, Football, Matt Porter.

    

Anthony Chickillo opened eyes with a stellar performance last Saturday in the East-West Shrine Game. One NFL.com writer called him “disruptive” and “unblockable at times.”

It wasn’t the player Hurricanes fans were used to seeing.

Chickillo, a former five-star prospect whose sack totals declined in each of his four years at UM, made comments during an in-game sideline interview that alluded to his talents being wasted in college.

“I’ve always had it,” Chickillo said, when asked about his ability to get off the line and into the backfield. “I’m happy I get to use it out here today.”

Anthony Chickillo (right) upped his NFL draft stock at the East-West Shrine Game. (Miami Herald)

After registering five sacks as a true freshman in 2011, Chickillo’s totals declined to four, three and ½ and three. He finished his career with 17 ½. He played in 50 games (tied for third all-time at UM) and according to UM started his final 47 (third-most consecutive starts; tied for fourth in total number).

Chickillo entered college as a 6-foot-4, 240-pound pass-rusher. Instead of a 4-3 setup that calls for defensive linemen to rush upfield, UM coach Al Golden and defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio run a 3-4 style that called for Chickillo to bulk up – he’s now 6-4, 280 – and control blockers, often leaving others to finish plays.

Chickillo didn’t publicly gripe about this. D’Onofrio and Golden repeatedly praised him for his leadership. D’Onofrio said on multiple occasions he was not concerned about Chickillo’s lack of production.

Led by Chickillo and a disruptive defensive line, the East team won the Shrine Game 19-3. The game was played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, next to Chickillo’s hometown of Tampa.

Here’s the relevant part of the interview with NFL Network’s Alex Flanagan (which can be viewed here):

Flanagan: “Yeah, Anthony Chickillo just lighting it up here. Now, let’s talk a little bit about what’s allowing you to play so fast today. You’re playing in a 4-3 defense. Used to a 3-4 defense at Miami, right?”

Chickillo: “Yeah, I’m used to playing in a 3-4, more two-gap. I appreciate [East] coach [Mike] Singletary giving us a 4-3, so show a little of what I can do with my athletic ability.”

[At this moment in the interview, fellow Shrine Game players and ex-UM teammates Shane McDermott and Jon Feliciano were standing in the background wearing goofy smiles and throwing up the ‘U.’ The interviewer pointed this out and both player tousled his hair before leaving. McDermott said, “It’s all about the U.”]

Flanagan: “How much has the coaching and scheme today has allowed you to be aggressive?”

Chickillo: “That’s pretty much what the whole thing is. We’re running a 4-3, get off [the line] and you just play. … I’m just out here playing ball.”

Flanagan asked Chickillo, “Where’d you get that get-off?” and the two shared a brief laugh before Chickillo responded: “I’ve always had it. In college, I was asked to two-gap. I’ve always had it. I’m happy I get to use it out here today.”

Hurricanes fans on social media also took note of Chickillo’s sudden impact, using it as an opportunity to blast the current coaching staff. One national writer and UM alum had a pointed comment of his own.

http://caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/01/20/anthony-chickillo-seems-happy-to-leave-miami-hurricanes-defensive-system/

doesn't make a lick of sense ... if your running a 3-4 , why would you fatten up a 240 lb ,pass rusher to play DE instead of OLB ?

and the next head scratcher is why did chicky go along with it instead of transferring to a different school with a defense that compliments his skill set ?

When you look at Miami's # of draft picks this season like Dorsett, Walford, Flowers, Perryman, Johnson, Chickillo......kind of makes you wonder why they didn't have a better record, despite having all that talent?

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

When you look at Miami's # of draft picks this season like Dorsett, Walford, Flowers, Perryman, Johnson, Chickillo......kind of makes you wonder why they didn't have a better record, despite having all that talent?

well their defense gave up 28+ in 7 of their games,  soooooo....

Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

doesn't make a lick of sense ... if your running a 3-4 , why would you fatten up a 240 lb ,pass rusher to play DE instead of OLB ?

and the next head scratcher is why did chicky go along with it instead of transferring  to a different school with a defense that compliments his skill set ?

who wants to leave Miami? They pay well and you bang hot chicks.

Sounds like he paid the price for having dumbass coaches. Their loss is the steelers gain.

Steelers' Chickillo Drops 14 Pounds Since Draft

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2015/07/steelers-chickillo-drops-14-pounds-since-draft/

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Steelers' Chickillo Drops 14 Pounds Since Draft

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2015/07/steelers-chickillo-drops-14-pounds-since-draft/

A 254 Lb Anthony Chickillo should be quicker than the 267 Lb Chickillo that ran at the combine. He had the same 10 yard sprint times as Fowler and Beasley then, I cant wait to see how he does in camp.

I'm excited to see what he can do. We've found gems late in the draft before.

Alex Kozora ‏@Alex_Kozora  

Would definitely call Chickillo a winner of OL/DL. Chris Hubbard did well for OL.

Anthony Chickillo shows quick hands, good bend around edge.

Chickillo has to be a little more disciplined but first step is really good. TFL in last 11 on 11.

https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora

Another 6th round steal??

Even L.T. Walton has looked solid.

Very possible every draft pick makes the 53. Only question mark is Holliman, but we'll know where he's at during the preseason.

Steelers Notebook: Chickillo Turning Heads

;Jul 30, 2015
Jim Wexell
Publisher SteelCityInsider.net



The Steelers' sixth-round rookie OLB played like a first-rounder, at least at Thursday's practice. Here's the full report:

LATROBE -- July football doesn't normally involve Mike Tomlin acknowledging a rookie's performance, or even a rookie.

But when Tomlin was asked if sixth-round pick Anthony Chickillo showed him anything Thursday, Tomlin said, "Good work."

The outside linebacker caught Tomlin's eye during the backers-on-tight ends drill. Chickillo bested Cameron Clear, a 270-pound rookie tight end who just had his way with first-round pick Bud Dupree.

In the next period, a run-heavy team scrimmage, Chickillo seemingly dominated. In his series with the second team, Chickillo made a tackle-for-loss and another tackle at the line as he spent plenty of time in the opposing backfield.

In a later appearance against the first team, Chickillo beat Marcus Gilbert inside and had a bead on Le'Veon Bell, but Bell cut back sharply to the vacated side as Chickillo learned an NFL lesson.

The converted 4-3 and 3-4 defensive end from Miami also caught the eye of Steelers broadcast analyst Tunch Ilkin, who, during a live spot for Steelers Nation Radio, said, "If you came here knowing the Steelers drafted an outside linebacker in the first round, and these guys weren't wearing numbers, you would think that first-round pick was Anthony Chickillo."

At least at Thursday's practice.

DUPREE'S UPS AND DOWNS

Dupree, the outside linebacker the Steelers did draft in the first round, has yet to get untracked. He did put some pressure on quarterback Landry Jones late in practice, but didn't inspire any emotion -- or even coachly chatter -- during his one-on-one performance against just-signed rookie tackle Kevin Palmer.

Dupree rushed wide but Palmer rode him outside until the whistle. Dupree left the all-too-quiet pit for another drill dealing with coverage backers on the other side of the field. (Chickillo then stepped in and easily beat Palmer for a sack.)

Dupree's best moment came early. On the first snap of the backers-on-tight ends drill, Dupree, matched against Heath Miller, read the running back and got inside of Miller to make the play.

"All right, big boy," Tomlin said to Dupree.

"Hey, Bud!" defensive coordinator Keith Butler hollered. When Dupree turned, Butler pumped his fist.

So it was a mixed showing for Dupree.

At least at Thursday's practice.

HIGHLIGHTS

* Ryan Shazier played the run much better than he did Wednesday. It began in the "Seven Shots" drill for two-point conversions, when Shazier sniffed out a draw to DeAngelo Williams and shot behind the line, spun Williams around by the hips and threw him for a loss.

* Will Johnson handled Jarvis Jones on back-to-back snaps in the backers-on-tight ends drill.

* Rookie tight end Jesse James took Arthur Moats to the last instant of a "rubber match" before Moats claimed a best-of-three win in backers-on-TEs.

* Clear, the physically imposing rookie TE, beat Dupree on three consecutive snaps in the drill.

* During full scrimmage, rookie Sammie Coates took a handoff on a reverse but Jarvis Jones beat the tackle to blow the play up. And then Shazier swooped in to blow the play UP!

* Shazier could've blown Miller up on a pass over the middle but ran past and just tapped the tight end.

* Vince Williams did the same to Landry Jones after DeAngelo Williams whiffed on a blitz pick-up.

* Martavis Bryant again makes the highlight reel with his catch of an extreme back-shoulder fade from Landry Jones while lying on the ground.

* Dri Archer ripped off a run to end the second scrimmage session, and gained 15 yards on an open-field run-after-catch to end the third scrimmage.

* First-year OT Mitchell Van Dyk pushed Dupree to the ground and held off Chickillo's bull rush on back-to-back reps in lineman one-on-ones.

* Kelvin Beachum and Jarvis Jones went a full five reps before Beachum could claim a 3-2 win in one-on-ones.

to read rest of article:

http://www.scout.com/nfl/steelers/story/1568576-steelers-notebook-chickillo-turning-heads

I think its fair to say he's fighting for the same roster spot as T. Garvin, H. Jones, & J. Zumwalt.

2 of those 4 may make it if we keep 10.

dupree
harrison
moats
jones

shazier
williams
timmons
spence

-all make the team. Next year James may retire and Spence and Williams could be free agents (not positive).

Seems like chikillo is making a statement as a possible starter one day (atleast replacing james as a back up) whereas the other 3 may just be solid special teams performers.

Quote :

That Anthony Chickillo is growing on people

Shawn Lemon's release was a tough blow for the CFL star trying to make a name for himself in the NFL, but if there is one person who is causing people to say, "Lemon who?!" it would be Anthony Chickillo. One of the two Steelers 6th round draft picks in 2015, Chickillo is turning heads at camp and is constantly gaining praise from coaches, especially outside linebackers coach Joey Porter.

Chickillo spoke with Neal Coolong of DKonPittsburghSports.com yesterday, and had this to say about the difference the change of scenery makes from playing at Miami, to the rolling hills of Western, PA. "At Miami, I played more of a three technique, four technique defensive line position, but now I'm playing in more space."

Space is a beautiful thing, and with Chickillo slimming down before camp, he now can add the athleticism to make plays in the space he now hopes to occupy on the team's 53-man roster.

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2015-pittsburgh-steelers-training-camp-news-times-schedule-tickets-updates/2015/7/31/9077971/steelers-training-camp-day-5-recap

He needs to become a special teams stud ... that will help cement a spot on the team for him. It will be hard for the coaches to discard Garvin for someone that is average-to-poor on special teams.

So Chickillo is standing out quite a bit with his quickness, hand skills and toughness. Who would have thought that was going to happen ??

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

So Chickillo is standing out quite a bit with his quickness, hand skills and toughness.  Who would have thought that was going to happen ??  

apparently nobody in the NFL, he was still on the board at pick 212

Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

So Chickillo is standing out quite a bit with his quickness, hand skills and toughness.  Who would have thought that was going to happen ??  

apparently nobody in the NFL,  he was still on the board at pick 212

that's not saying much. tebow, johnyy manziel, and Bob Griffin III were all drafted in the first round.

tony hipchest wrote:

Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

So Chickillo is standing out quite a bit with his quickness, hand skills and toughness.  Who would have thought that was going to happen ??  

apparently nobody in the NFL,  he was still on the board at pick 212

that's not saying much. tebow, johnyy manziel, and Bob Griffin III were all drafted in the first round.

mama always said NFL players were like a box of chocolates ....

Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

tony hipchest wrote:

Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

So Chickillo is standing out quite a bit with his quickness, hand skills and toughness.  Who would have thought that was going to happen ??  

apparently nobody in the NFL,  he was still on the board at pick 212

that's not saying much. tebow, johnyy manziel, and Bob Griffin III were all drafted in the first round.

mama always said NFL players were like a box of chocolates ....

he was such a classic tweener, it seems like a lot of teams did not have the patience for the project he would become. I don't think any team really knew how adaptable he would be or how quickly he would take to coaching.

I think a lot of scouting for today's draft has become outsorced and lazy. Hopefully he becomes one of the late round gems we used to typically find in the nineties

From reports(albeit from Steelers Depot) Jarvis hasn't looked like he improved much.

So with that said I won't be shocked if Chickillo & Bud are the future OLBs on this team if they develop.


It's still early but this team knows how to find talent in the late rounds. one ingredient to become a Super Bowl team.

Maybe it is time to start talking about Jarvis Jones.

Last year Mike Adams was raked over the coals for slipping on wet grass and getting beat by shamarko Thomas in a trading camp drill.

Yesterday, Jarvis Jones was destroyed by a UDFA rookie fullback and then pancaked and destroyed again by first time OT, practice squad player Villanueva.

Is Jarvis fighting for a roster spot?

Where is @SteelersCanada ?

Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

So Chickillo is standing out quite a bit with his quickness, hand skills and toughness.  Who would have thought that was going to happen ??  

apparently nobody in the NFL,  he was still on the board at pick 212

Charlie at WalterFootball.com had Chikillo as a 4th round prospect. After seeing him at the Shrine Game and Combine I was impressed with his quickness, motor, toughness and pass rush skill, but thought he projected as a 4-3DE. Now that he is in the 255 lb range, I think he is going to take time to learn playing standing up, but is a gem.

Steelers rookie Chickillo hoping to be another chip off the NFL block

August 2, 2015
By Ray Fittipaldo / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Anthony Chickillo's family has a long NFL history, which he can add to if he makes the Steelers roster.

As part of their rookie orientation, Steelers rookies toured the Pro Football Hall of Fame shortly after the draft. During the tour, Joe Horrigan, the executive vice president of museums and chief communications officer for the Hall of Fame, asked sixth-round pick Anthony Chickillo to step forward from the group.

“He said, ‘Where’s Anthony Chickillo?’ ” Chickillo recalled. “I stepped up, and then he told the story of my family.”

The Chickillo family’s story is already unique. It can become a rare and special tale if Anthony finds a way to make the 53-man roster.

In the long and storied history of professional football in this country, there have been 217 documented sets of fathers and sons who played in the pro ranks. Nick and Tony Chickillo represent one of those families.

Nick played linebacker and guard for the Chicago Cardinals in 1953. Tony played defensive line for the Chargers and Jets from 1984-87.

If Anthony sets foot on the field in one NFL regular-season game, his family will be only the third to ever have three generations of fathers and sons play professional football.

“That would be pretty awesome,” Anthony said. “To be a part of that would be phenomenal. Not a lot of people can say that.”

The Matthews and Pyne families are the only others to have three generations of fathers and sons play professionally.

The Matthews family has placed seven players in the NFL since 1950. Clay Matthews Sr. was a defensive end and defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers in the early 1950s. He had two sons who played in the NFL — linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. The latter is enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Bruce and Clay Jr. also produced two sons who play or played in the league.

to read rest of article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/08/02/Steelers-rooloe-Anthony-Chickillo-hoping-to-be-another-chip-off-the-NFL-block/stories/201508020082