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In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, Univ. of Colorado Head Coach Mike MacIntyre gives Saints’ fans the inside scoop on DE/OLB Chidera Uzo Diribe.

B&G.com: Coach, do you have any direct or distant ties to the Saints or anyone on the staff?

Coach MacIntyre: Yes. Saints’ head coach Sean Payton and I were both assistant coaches under Bill Parcells with the Cowboys (2003-2005).

B&G.com: Why do you believe the Saints sought to get Chidera Uzo Diribe?

Coach MacIntyre: Chidera is excellent at rushing the passer, and is very athletic. He has a high motor and never quits on a play. He also did well on his Pro Day. His stats during his time at the Univ. of Colorado are noteworthy:

Chidera Uzo-Diribe biography - CUBuffs.com - Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado

B&G.com: What qualities about Chidera work to his advantage in making the Saints’ final 53?

Coach MacIntyre: He is intelligent and a student of the game. He plays well in space and is a force in stopping plays for losses and rushing the QB. He is also adept at special teams. He played a lot as a 3-4 defensive end, so he did not have many opportunities to drop back into coverage. But on those occasions he did, he executed well.

B&G.com: What is the most memorable performance you’ve seen from Chidera?

Coach MacIntyre: Our 2013 season opener at Colorado State. He pressured the QB throughout the game, and had plays where he ran down the running back from behind. In our game vs. California, he was very disruptive in their backfield, and also put a lot of pressure on the QB.

B&G.com: Is Chidera likely to get involved in community outreach?

Coach MacIntyre: Yes. He did a lot of that here in Colorado. He is very likeable and personable. He is likely to help in the New Orleans community as well.

B&G.com: What things do you feel separates Chidera from others whose performances tail off down the road?

Coach MacIntyre: He is bright, and always seeks to improve. He understands game strategy, and takes what is discussed in meetings (and video) and executes it on the field. His skill set and non-stop motor are things that will work to his advantage overall.


B&G.com: What type of player is Chidera on the sidelines, in the locker room, and in the game?

Coach MacIntyre: He is very intense, and is a good motivator to his teammates. He plays with passion.

B&G.com: Where do you expect to see Chidera this season: practice squad; final 53?

Coach MacIntyre: That depends on the needs of the Saints. In my opinion, he’s good enough to make the final 53.

B&G.com: How durable was Chidera during his time at Colorado?

Coach MacIntyre: He played all four years, and I don’t recall his having missed a practice or a game.

B&G.com: Did Chidera have a parent, sibling or adult that served as a special mentor?

Coach MacIntyre: He had great parents; his family lives in California. They took time to make it to some of our games in the past 4 years.

B&G.com: Coach, is there anything else you’d like to share about Chidera?

Coach MacIntyre: We’ve pretty much covered it. But I want to say again that he’s a great person. He has a nice smile, is personable, and is very humble.

B&G.com: Coach MacIntyre, on behalf of the WhoDat Nation and Saints’ fans everywhere, thank you for taking the time to give us this interview on Chidera Uzo Diribe. All the best to the Buffaloes this season.

Coach MacIntyre: It was my pleasure.

Stealthman

This quote got my attention:

his percentage of solo tackles (99) to overall tackles (118), or 83.9 percent, is the highest in (Univ. of Colorado) CU history.

...He was second in the nation in forced fumbles with five, and he also batted down four passes in 739 snaps of action.

SmashMouth

Beast...

lee909

He is a big boy looking at that picture.
Looking forward to seeing the UDFA in preseason

Joker

I guess the lingering question that I have is, why wasn't he drafted?

Stealthman

Hard to get a decent look from scouts when your team goes 4-8 in a conference (Pac-12) that wasn't exactly "world beaters."

Football - Schedule/Results - CUBuffs.com - Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado

exile

I'll watch Chizi Dero Dizibze closely in training camp. Hopefully he shows some skills.

But since I can't pronounce his name I'm simply going to call his Sam.

Rugby Saint II

This is going to be an exciting training camp .......all these young rookies have very high potential. This could be the best class we've come away with.

papz

I enjoy these pieces about our unknowns every year. I mean who doesn't like to root for the underdogs.

jnormand

How bout "CUD"?