Conner Delaney ’17: He plays “Dee-fense” and scores “T-Dee’s.” He is a force on the defensive side of the ball but can also break out for 200 yards rushing on offense. His two-way ability and breakout performance this year makes Dee Barlee ‘16 October’s Athlete of the Month.
When watching the NFL, there are superstar players that only play one position. Even in college, it is a rarity when a player starts at two different positions or plays both defense and offense. In high school football, every team needs a couple of guys that can play both sides of the ball and excel at both positions. Barlee is one of those players who shine on both sides of the ball.
It is not often when someone with the size and build of a linebacker can break ankles as a running back like Barlee. Fans that have been to EA’s football games have seen his explosiveness and knack for big plays with the ball, while coaches also see his aggressiveness as a linebacker.
According to Todd Fairlie, Head Coach of the Football Team, “Dee is a very important part of our program. He is our main ball carrier and does a great job every game grinding his carries for as many yards as he can. He is also a very dynamic player for us on defense; his athletic ability, quickness, and toughness make him a very good linebacker.” Fairlie also praised Barlee’s work ethic on and off the field. “Dee works hard every day to be a great player. He is driven to do well and understands the meaning of hard work. He pushes himself to get better on the field and in the weight room.”
Barlee shines under the lights in and out of each week. During Episcopal’s home opener, Barlee gashed the Interboro defense for 200+ yards of rushing on the way to a 32-14 victory for the Churchmen. There were several moments in the game that fans wondered whatBarlee was thinking. In response to his standout performance, Barlee answered, “I just wanted to help my team the best I could. They gave me the opportunity to succeed and I took advantage.” He also abruptly struck the quarterback for a momentous sack late in the game.
The running back has high hopes for this year’s football team as they make a run for the Inter-Ac title. Barlee expressed, “I would love for the team to end up winning the Inter-Ac title this year, and by all means not even sharing the title.” The football team is off to a good start and Barlee has a lot to do with the team’s early season successes. “We are alright,” said Barlee. “We have a lot of key players. We have good upperclassmen and some key underclassmen that have stepped up to the plate. We are looking good for the Inter-Ac season.”