Media luncheon recap

I would have to say that today's media luncheon was easily the most entertaining of the season. Credit for livening things up goes to the engaging duo of seniors (offensive tackle Darius Dale and linebacker Jay Pilkerton) who accompanied Yale coach Jack Siedlecki to the event at The Course at Yale.

Perhaps the most intriguing portion of the event came when Dale spoke about the "freshman only" meeting the current group of seniors had back in 2008. Turns out the chemistry, especially between the seniors and freshmen, was not a strength of the 2005 team. Dale and his classmates wanted to change the culture and atmosphere in the program. Despite disappointing losses to Cornell, Fordham and Penn, the seniors believe they have made major strides in that area.

Dale also said that attempting to play in the NFL is not in his future plans.

"I can barely walk up and down stairs right now," Dale said. "I am just focused on getting my health back and getting to the real world, the NFL has never really been an option or goal of mine."

Siedlecki said that about 20 NFL teams have visited Yale this season. Although senior running back Mike McLeod, Yale's all-time leading rusher, is usually the player they come to scout, invariably it is junior punter Tom Mante who leaves the biggest impression with the pro scouts.