Van Dyke right where he wants to be
Posted by on September 20, 2012 – 5:04 pmCornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke could be heading back to Oakland this week with revenge on his mind. He could be bitter and angry after being let go from the Raiders on Sept. 3, after they gave their former third-round draft pick just one season to prove himself.
But he doesn’t feel that way, he isn’t upset, and it’s because he feels like he is in a better situation after being signed by the Steelers.
“I kind of had a feeling it was coming,” said Van Dyke. “I have no hard feelings. It’s a business. I understand that part of it. It happens like that.
“I didn’t show any emotion. I wasn’t upset, which is crazy. My mom asked if I was upset and I said no because I am going closer to home (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) and it’s a great opportunity for me.”
He also found himself now playing for the team he was hoping would have drafted him when he came out of the University of Miami.
“It’s crazy because when I was coming out in the draft I told my mom I wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” said Van Dyke. “I met Coach (Mike) Tomlin at my pro day. My mom had a good feel for him. I also met Mr. (Kevin) Colbert. Everything was going right and I said if they draft me, I will be happy.
“Oakland drafted me and things happen for a reason. They let me go and now I am where I wanted to be in the first place.”
Tomlin has been pleased with Van Dyke’s contributions so far on special teams, which includes downing a punt against the Denver Broncos on the one-yard line, and preventing a punt by the New York Jets to be downed at the Steelers one-yard line.
For now Van Dyke understands his role is on special teams, but would welcome work in the Steelers’ defense, even though he is still learning it.
“Hopefully I get a chance to play corner, but right now I am doing what Coach Tomlin tells me to do,” said Van Dyke. “I am focusing on special teams, making tackles on the punt returner or guarding my guy there at gunner.”
Tags: DeMarcus Van Dyke
Posted in News, Player, Team | 10 Comments »
10 Responses
to “Van Dyke right where he wants to be”
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.
By Alvin Shipp on Sep 20, 2012 | Reply
Im from Florida and Ive been watching Van Dyke for a long time. Hes a great athlete I think Carnell Lake will make him a great corner Welcome to Steeler Nation youve already made your presence felt. Work Hard Play Hard!!!!!!!!!!!
By Phil Nussbaum on Sep 20, 2012 | Reply
I hope Van Dyke works out at conor back,we need help there.
I am glad he wanted to be drafted by the steelers,because
players like that will give the team 100% like Hayward and A.Brown do and others in the past.
Maybe there was a reason the Raiders cut him on Sept.3rd.
DR. Phil
By Cujosteel on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
Worked out great for all involved. Allen & Brown are promising atheletic, fast corners that had a chance to flash enough to stick around. Now we get Van Dyke too.
By dale r schaffner sr. on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
welcome to the best team on the planet demarcus i hope u have a great career here with us and we win our 7th super bowl steeler nations are super big best of luck and success GOD GO WITH ALL OF YOU BLACK AND GOLD FOREVER
By T.R. Fye on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
Welcom Van Dyke, I saw both of those plaies you maid and it was great. I truely like it when a plyer ends up with a team he dearly wants. Good luck and I’ll be watching every Sunday and hope we’ll see more great plaies..
By Will Lacroix on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
Sometimes thimgs happen for a reason and I really think that your destiny was to be a Steeler. Welcome DeMarcus I know that you will help us get to Super Bowl win number 7.
By LUKE on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
Was excited to see we picked him up when I seen his forty time. And by the way he gets down the field as a gunner it shows he has football speed not just combine speed. Has the speed to keep up with Wallace. And if Lake turned Gay into a good corner, I cant wait to see what he can do with this kid.
By Orrin Pruis on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
Young Mr. Vandyke Welcome too the Black and Gold were it will not get old play hard play smart and retire a happy old fart. Alittle humor from die hard fan wish you well in your venture play and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Joey Wildberger on Sep 21, 2012 | Reply
what has happened to Ike Taylor?? he used to be our best cover corner and now he is gettin worked, twice by demairus thomas, he did ok agianst santonio but he is gettin flagged alot too. probalbly the replacement refs but still.
By Vernon L. Stewart on Sep 22, 2012 | Reply
Van Dyke is a great athlete and very much needed on our special teams. I hope he eventually contributes on our nickel and dime packages . He helps improve our overall team speed, welcome to Steeler Nation!