Gehrig Dieter's Star Is on the Rise: South Bend Washington WR Puts Team First

Team chemistry, team unity, together as a team. This was the recurring theme in a recent conversation with South Bend Washington wide receiver Gehrig Dieter.

Over the past two seasons Dieter has put together 111 receptions, 2,152 yards (19.3 yards per catch) and 26 touchdowns. He is 1,111 yards away from the North Indiana Conference record and needs 1,455 yards to become Indiana's All-Time H.S. receiver.

Dieter could have talked about his individual numbers, but instead he focused on teamwork. When asked what areas he wants to improve on in 2012 he said, "I want to explode on every block, run sharper routs and help my team win State."

At 6'3" and 210 pounds Dieter is a punisher of defenders, his routes across the middle are run with out an ounce of fear and is extremely elusive after the catch. He plays physical, almost seeking a defender to lower the boom on. Dieter is an all around athlete as well, playing linebacker and safety.

Dieter uses his 33" vertical leap combined with vice grip like hands to make impossible plays look routine. He uses his height as leverage, this is one of the big reasons that his yards after initial contact are a a big part of his game. Simply put, he makes the play after the catch.

Off-season work has improved Dieter's time in the 40 yard dash to 4.5, his long strides are almost Eric Dickerson like, and he uses the whole field, reading blocks as well as any prep player in memory. These are just some of the reasons that Dieter has been rated the best receiver in Indiana by the one and only Tom Lemming.

With a GPA of 3.4 Gehrig Dieter knows his way around the classroom as well as the gridiron. Dieter's focus on teamwork is not a smoke screen, he visits Pop Warner practices and speaks to the up and coming ballers about the importance of hard work on and off the field. Stressing responsibility and the importance of staying in school.

When asked what the 2012 season would hold for Washington High, Dieter stated, "We have a lot of unity on this team, we all trust each other, we are a very tight group of seniors and we want to win State. This is a very special group."

If things go the right way for Gehrig Dieter he will end up as Indian's All-Time leading receiver, but to hear him tell it he would be just as happy throwing a bone crushing block. While offers are starting to come Dieter's way, one thing is certain, the school he chooses to attend will benefit not only on the field but in the community as a whole.