Darius Hamitlon of Don Bosco Prep: Top 50 recruits in 50 days

Darius Hamilton, the son of former Pitt All-American and New York Giants Keith Hamilton, wanted to play football at a very young age but it's probably not what one would think.

When Darius hung around his father's livelihood, he wasn't awestruck by the bright lights, the fawning press and fans, the sold out stadiums or lavish lifestyle.

He fell in love with the concept of team.

"I could see and feel the bonds between teammates," said Darius, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end ranked the nation's No. 37 recruit on the country's No. 1 ranked team, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.). "That's why I love the game. It's the ultimate team sport."

And it's what coach Greg Toal loves most about Darius.

Sure, he's strong and agile with great feet and long arms. Yes, Darius can create immediate separation at the point of attack which led to his 13.5 sacks as a junior.

But Toal can't stop talking about Darius' leadership ability, his work ethic and dedication. Especially after a couple of under-achieving seasons when he was brought up to varsity as a freshman.

"He was a pretty good player as a sophomore, but a great player as a junior," Toal said. "He was fabulous last year. He put in amazing effort in the weight room and totally dedicated himself in all areas.

"He's a serious, dedicated guy now. He knows what he wants. He turned the corner. It's cliché, but he's the first one on the field and last to leave. He's like having a coach on the field."

Darius has no problem barking at teammates when they need a lift. He knows, Toal says, when to pat guys on the back when they've done a good job.

"In most cases, it's better to hear that stuff from a peer rather than a coach," Toal said.

Said Darius: "It's part of my job. I need to set an example for the other guys both in what I do and what I say. I've been in this program now for four years."

According to Toal and Darius himself, he gets much of his leadership skills from his dad, a 12-year NFL veteran with the Giants who recorded 63 sacks and 514 tackles and nicknamed "The Hammer."

The two are remarkably close, especially considering what they've been through.

In a much-publicized account – reported thoroughly here by New Jersey Star-Ledger reporter Matthew Stanmyre – Keith Hamilton was sentenced to three years of probation in 2006 for beating Darius, then 12, with an electrical chord and surge protector after seeing poor grades on his report card.

In the story, Keith opened up about the incident, his relationship with his own very tough-love dad, a car accident that took the life of his younger sister and two drug-related arrests.

Mostly, the story revealed how both Darius and Keith not only survived the volatile period but also have flourished through it. Though the two don't live in the same household, Keith helps train his son and mentors him in all ways, according to Darius.

Perhaps not coincidently, as their relationship strengthened and healed – the two attended numerous counseling sessions - Darius' focus and attention to detail and rise as a national recruit coincided.

When asked the players he idolized growing up, Darius said Amani Toomer, Tim Tebow and his father.

"I see him every day," Darius said. "He's taught me to be a leader and helps me in everything I do."

Before a big game last season, Stanmyre reported, Darius pulled out his cell phone and text the following to his dad: "I know everything we've been through, but I wouldn't change a thing."

The text brought a flood of tears to Keith.

"I can't speak for the past, but while Darius has been here, his dad has done a great job with him," Toal said. "He encourages him every step of the way. He was a great leader in the NFL and Darius has followed in his footsteps."

Darius told Stanmyre: "I've gotten the majority of my leadership skills from my dad. He always tells me that I can lead men into a war zone or I can lead them to the top of the mountain. We can plant the flag."

Bosco Prep, which doesn't open the season until Sept. 10, is currently at the top of the heap, No. 1 in virtually every national ranking.

Darius said he likes the pressure of being No. 1 and doesn't find it to be a burden at all.

"We want to be No. 1, that's why we play, to be the best," he said.

Some consider him the best defensive lineman in the country and perhaps most versatile. Recruiters like the fact he can play either inside or outside and that his big frame has room for growth.

"He's still growing," said MaxPreps/CBS recruiting expert Tom Lemming said. "He plays defensive end now and could wind up playing tackle in college. He's instinctive, very aggressive and does a good job of handling the double team."

He also fights through the onslaught of college coaches and Internet recruiting reporters asking about his status.

"At first (the recruiting process) was fun, but then it gets a little overwhelming," he said. "But then you realize how lucky you are, that most kids would by dying to get this much attention."

He said his recruiting is all over the board, noting possible finalist as Rutgers, Florida, Cal, Virginia Tech and Tennessee. He said he'll announce his decision in December on a local television show.

"Right now I'm just focused on bringing out the best in us and hopefully helping us win a national championship," Darius said. "All that other stuff will take care of itself."

That's music to Toal's ears.

"We knew Darius would be a good player down the road," he said. "We didn't know he'd be this good. He's better than we could have ever dreamed of."