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Mitchell Van Dyk

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All-star game prepares former Paso Robles standout for pro football

http://pasoroblesdailynews.com/star-game-prepares-former-paso-robles-standout-pro-football/13942/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Former Portland State University offensive tackle Mitchell Van Dyk, a 2009 graduate of Paso Robles High School, put his skills to the test against the toughest college football competition in the country Friday.

Van Dyk competed in front of professional scouts in the second annual College All-Star Bowl on the campus of Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and the CBS Sports Network provided a national audience for him to showcase the very best of his talents as an All-Big Sky first-team lineman.

“It was an awesome experience,” he said. “Not just because of the playing experience, but because I learned from the coaches and all of the other players. It was a really cool experience, and I made some new friends.”

Led by former Clemson University coach Danny Ford, Van Dyk’s National team defeated the American squad 12-6 in a defensive struggle. He blocked for star running backs such as Central Michigan’s Zurlon Tipton, Clemson’s Roderick McDowell and Samford’s Fabian Truss. Not only did he shine in front of pro scouts, but Van Dyk impressed his own all-star coaching staff.

“My coaches said I did good in pass protection and run blocking,” he said. “We ran the ball well, and we won the game, so that was good. Our goal was to have a 100-yard rusher, and we did that.”

The National offense broke long runs, executed successful screen plays and passed for first downs.

Van Dyk’s 2013 PSU team were privy to all of those types of plays. Last season, the Piliots set school records in total yards (6,486), rushing yards (3,330), rushing average (277.7 per game, total offense (540.5 per game), and rushing touchdowns (36). Friday was just business as usual for the 6-foot-8, 305-pound blocker.

Throughout the week leading up to the game, the coaching staff taught the all stars about the style of play of professional football. For some NFL draftees who didn’t attend the all-star game’s forums, the pros will be a wake-up call. For Van Dyk, now it’ll be something that he’s prepared for.

“The coaches gave us tips about what’s going to happen to us once we reach the next level,” he said. “They said everyone is going to be faster and just as big as us. It’s not just the phsyical part, and now it’s going to be more mental. We have to be both physically and mentally ready.”

Van Dyk said the experience playing in the all-star game was unforgettable. While there, he proved he could handle top-notch competition, gained more national exposure and put his name in front of several professional scouts from both the NFL and CFL.

“I could not have dreamed of this in how it’s a really good experience with the game, practice, coaches, players, and everyone who was involved,” Van Dyk said. “It was a really cool experience, and it’s something I’m going to look back at down the road. Even if I don’t make in the pros, I’ll always have this experience.”
 
Good for Mitch!! Going back to the first article, down in Paso Robles the Vikings are called the Pilots?
 
Former PSU standout Mitchell Van Dyk joined the show to talk about getting drafted by the St. Louis Rams.

https://soundcloud.com/kxtg-the-bald-faced-truth/bft-mitchell-van-dyk-05-13-14" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
Rams notes: Late-arriving Van Dyk tries to make most of short stay

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-late-arriving-van-dyk-tries-to-make-most/article_60f5e436-7247-5120-a098-49a7a7ce46c9.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now that he has arrived at Rams Park, Portland State tackle Mitchell Van Dyk does not want to leave.
But he has to.

Van Dyk, the first of four Rams’ seventh-round selections in the recent NFL draft, was unable to attend when the team introduced the other 10 draft picks to the media on Tuesday. He arrived late Thursday and, after a physical, joined the other 23 rookies for skill-development work Friday and Saturday at Rams Park.

But when the rest of the rookies join the veterans in skill-development sessions on Monday, the 6-foot-7, 299-pound Van Dyk will be back in Portland.

That’s because Portland State operates on the quarter system. In 1990, created with encouragement of the American Football Coaches Association, the NFL adopted a rule that limits players to a single minicamp when college is still in session.

Van Dyk will get his degree in criminology and criminal justice on June 15.

“It stinks that I can’t stay and learn along with the other guys, but I’ll make it work,’’ the 23-year-old said. “I’m hoping I can come back for a few days here and there, but if not, I’ll continue to work out on my own and just bury myself in the playbook.’’

Van Dyk has actually completed his classwork and is doing an internship in a crime-prevention program at City Hall in Portland.

“I’ll probably start out as a policeman, but I’d eventually like to work my way into the DEA or ATF or something along those lines,’’ he said.

But for now, football is priority No. 1.

“Getting drafted was in the back of my mind, but I definitely wasn’t counting on it,’’ he said. “When I got the call, I know the people around me, my parents, my girlfriend, my family, got super-excited. But for me, it really didn’t hit home completely until I got here and started walking around the facilities.’’

Van Dyk, who played for his father, Mark, at Paso Robles High in California, was recruited to Portland State by former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville. At that time, however, Van Dyk weighed about 220.

“When I first got to Portland State, they thought I was a quarterback,’’ he recalled. “I’d had a big growth spurt in high school, like five inches in one year, and took me until my sophomore year in college before I was really able to catch up.’’

He won the starting job at right tackle job in 2011 and remained there for three seasons, thriving in a run-heavy Vikings’ attack. He was twice honored as PSU’s offensive lineman of the year and earned All-Big Sky Conference honors last fall after helping the Vikings set school records for total offense (6,486), total offense per game (540.5), rushing yards (3,330), rushing per game (277.7), rushing touchdowns (36) and points per game (34.9).

In addition, Portland State threw the ball 365 times and allowed just 10 sacks.

“We ran the ball and we were pretty good at it,’’ he said. “I’m stronger as a run-blocker, but that just means I’ll have to work harder on pass protection.’’

Van Dyk worked solely at right tackle in college but got a taste of the left side while at the second annual College All-Star Game at Furman University after his senior season.

“I’m lefthanded, so it really didn’t seem like that big an adjustment,’’ he said. “At this point, I know I have a lot to learn and I’m looking forward to that challenge. The last couple of days, being around the guys and getting to know the coaches and people here, it’s really been a blast.

“It’ll be tough to leave, but when I get back for good, I think I’ll be even more fired up.’’
 
Looks like VD got signed:

http://nfltraderumors.co/rams-sign-all-11-draft-picks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
Steelers sign OT Mitchell Van Dyk

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2015/1/15/7554181/steelers-sign-ot-mitchell-van-dyk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pittsburgh added to its offseason roster Thursday with the addition of 2013 seventh round pick offensive tackle Mitchell Van Dyk.

The Rams selected the 6-foot-7, 318-pound Portland State (FCS) product with the 226th overall pick. One of the most intriguing aspects of Van Dyk is the measurements posted on NFL.com; 10-inch arms and 33-1/8 inch hands. If that isn't a typo, which appears to be the case, he would be the oddest looking offensive tackles in the league.

Without digging into too much scouting jargon, the rap on Van Dyk is he's a badass. Perhaps not the most talented player at his position, he's described as tough and scrappy, and Nolan Nawrocki suggested in his scouting report he's ideally suited for a zone blocking scheme.

Perhaps the Steelers are looking to find some versatility in terms of competition for interior depth, if they're looking for a mauling player with marginal skills. If he stays on the outside, he could add some fire to practices at least. Maybe line him up against the next Clifton Geathers the team signs.
 
Mitchell Van Dyk: "Everyone Has A Chance"

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2015/07/mitchell-van-dyk-everyone-has-a-shot/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Happy to be able to set up another interview with a Pittsburgh Steeler. Had the chance to talk to offensive tackle Mitchell Van Dyk yesterday. We talk about his transition from Portland State, what playing for Mike Munchak is like, and the competition along the offensive line.

Big thanks to Mitchell for setting aside the time to talk to me.

Q: I’m sure you’ve been asked it before but you are only the fourth player drafted from Portland State since 2000. Take me back to the day you were drafted by the St. Louis Rams and what it meant for yourself and to help be one of the faces of your school?

A: It was an awesome experience. It was something I wasn’t expecting but was definitely something in the back of my mind. I had always wanted to get drafted since I was a little kid so it was a dream come true. When I heard the news, I was up in Portland with my girlfriend and I and my friends. It was one of the best feelings in the world. I couldn’t describe how I felt. I was just in shock.

It didn’t feel like I got drafted until when I got to St. Louis, it pretty much hit me when I got there, when I got to see their facilities and their area. It was definitely one of the coolest things that has happened to me in my life.

Q: You were a successful, three year starter at Portland State. Still, you were making the jump from the FCS level. If you had to focus on just one area, what was the biggest adjustment to the NFL?

A: The playbook I would say. Learning the playbook.

Q: Because there are so many more plays? Is there something about it schematically that makes it tough? Is there a specific area within the playbook?

A: Both. The load you have. With Portland State, we were a pretty simple offense. We ran a hybrid pistol offense. It was something that came really easy to me. But when I went to the Rams, it was a whole bunch of stuff I didn’t know, we never really ran. They put me at guard, I only played tackle before. So that was another reason. But now, I’m definitely catching on more now in my second year.

Q: Did you have other offers than Pittsburgh? If so, what made you want to come here?

A: I hadn’t played football for over eight months once I got cut. I only did workouts. I did a few of the workouts but never got any offers. Pittsburgh offered me right after I had a workout in January. I couldn’t be happier. If I could choose, if I had the option, Pittsburgh would be my top choice.

Q: Where have you been playing in OTAs? Has it been a lot of right tackle? What position are you most comfortable with?

A: It was at the very end of OTAs and minicamp, but I kind of have been moving around everywhere. I’ve been playing left guard, right guard, left tackle, right tackle. Pretty much anywhere the o-line coach wants me to play, I’ll play.

Q: So they’ve basically had you working at all four of those spots?

A: Yes.

Q: Is versatility something that gets preached a lot? That seems the general feeling, the team prides itself on offensive linemen who can play 2-3 spots.

A: It’s something that comes with the territory when you’re an o-lineman. You try to be very versatile. With any other team, the more versatile you are, the more valuable you are to the team. I just have to play all four positions and be ready. Just see what happens.

Q: What’s it been like playing under Mike Munchak? What kind of demeanor does he have? Calm, quiet or will he give out tough love?

A: It’s been awesome. He’s a great coach. When he talks to us, when we mess up something, he doesn’t just tell us what we did wrong, he explains the reasons behind it. He lets us know. He coaches the rookies and the vets the same. I haven’t seen him yell at us that much, which has been nice. When it comes to coaching, it’s nice to hear what we did wrong and why we did it. And to do it this way is going to be a better option than what we did.

It’s nice to hear from a Hall of Famer. You know he knows. He’s coached at o-line, he’s done it all. When we hear it from him, we’re just like ‘Oh yeah, he knows what he’s talking about.’ His background definitely helps back up what he says.

Q: Munchak was hailed as a zone blocking guy but the team ran a lot of power, gap scheme last year. Would you call his scheme balanced or does it lean towards zone/power?

A: I would say both. It just depends on who we’re playing, what’s going on. Just depends on the situation. It seems like we run everything. It’s not really either/or. It’s a mix of everything.

Q: Is there a set weight that Garrett Giemont or Munchak want you at for camp? Or is there a range that gives you some flexibility?

A: My weight is actually wrong on the website. I talked to the guy who did the website and I told him my weight is off by almost 30 pounds. I weigh about 330 right now. I’ve been playing around that weight since I’ve been down there. They haven’t said to lose or gain weight. During OTAs and minicamp if I looked like I was out of shape, I’d probably lose weight. But I haven’t heard anything from Giemont or Munchak to lose some weight. They were actually surprised I weighed that much because I don’t look like I weigh that much. They really haven’t said anything.

Q: Where are you training during these last few weeks before training camp? Are you back home working out?

A: I’m back home in California. I just got back from San Diego. I was training down in Fitness Quest 10. I came up here just to see my family for a week before I go back down the last two weeks. So I’m training down there.

Q: Will you be there the whole time before you come to Pittsburgh on July 25th?

A: Yes.

Q: Lot of other young lineman on the roster. Alejandro Villanueva, B.J. Finney, etc. Anyone there stand out to you?

A: All of them. It’s kind of scary. When I was a rookie, my head was spinning. I don’t know if it was the Rams playbook or just being brand new to the NFL and the system. Alejandro, Ali, he’s a war vet, stuff sticks in his memory easily. He’s big, he’s fast. All the rookies are catching onto the playbook and the system. All of them can play. We always go and hang out and talk and study. So no one really sticks out, we all stick out. It’s going to be a good camp. I feel like everyone has a shot to make the team. So it’s going to be nice to see some competition between the o-line. It’s going to a fun, cool process and I’m looking forward it.

Q: Have you ever played alongside a guy of Villanueva’s size before?

A: No, not at all. I’ve always been the biggest person. It’s weird seeing another guy bigger than me. He’s one of the coolest guys I’ve met so far in Pittsburgh.

For the few people who still use it as a source, hearing what Van Dyk should convince you not to go off of what a team’s website lists a player at. Especially for lineman, who are almost always 10-15 pounds heavier or in this case, a whopping 30.

His comments only further and highlight the need for offensive lineman to be versatile, and is definitely something we’ll be watching out for in training camp with the likes of Finney, Reese Dismukes, Miles Dieffenbach, and the rest.
 
Ex-Portland State Vikings OL Mitchell Van Dyk returns to Indianapolis Colts

http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2016/06/ex-portland_state_vikings_ol_m.html

Former Portland State Vikings offensive lineman Mitchell Van Dyk has been riding a rollercoaster with the Indianapolis Colts.

Van Dyk signed with the Colts on Monday. Van Dyk returns to the Colts after the team released him May 2, just one month after signing him. The 6-foot-7, 299-pound tackle returns to the Colts on the eve of their three-day mandatory mini-camp that begins Tuesday.

The Colts are trying to improve and add depth to their offensive line. Van Dyk apparently will be given an opportunity to earn a roster spot as the Colts revamp their offensive line for quarterback Andrew Luck.

Van Dyk was a seventh-round pick (226th overall) by the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL draft. Van Dyk was one of the Rams final cuts in 2014. Van Dyk signed a futures contract with Pittsburgh in January 2015. Van Dyk spent the entire 2015 season on the Injured Reserve list after being waived-injured by the team in September.
 
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