Male Rookie of the Year: Dante Balestracci

Last year, when three-time All-Ivy linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski '00 graduated and was selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft, Harvard lost one of its all-time greatest linebackers.

The season prospectus for 2000 noted that linebacker would be the "area hardest hit on either side of the ball for Harvard." With the graduation of Kacyvenski and fellow four-year starter Aron Natale, things indeed looked bleak for the Crimson.

That is, of course, until a freshman from nearby New Bedford, Mass. turned in one of the most dominating seasons at linebacker in Harvard history. Dante Balestracci not only filled Kacyvenski's role as defensive leader supremely, he also set new and higher standards for linebacker excellence at Harvard.

"Considering the shoes he had to fill, Dante gave us poise and toughness that transcended his age and experience," said Head Coach Tim Murphy. "Not only could we get by with him, but he soon became the top playmaker on the defense."

But merely labeling Balestracci as the top playmaker is an understatement.

Balestracci was a unanimous selection for Ivy League Rookie of the Year, and his outstanding season made him the first Harvard freshman to garner First Team All-Ivy honors. With 94 tackles, he broke Kacyvenski's freshman record en route to becoming the first freshman in 128 years of Harvard football to lead the team in that statistic.

He also became the first Harvard player to return two interceptions for touchdowns (against Dartmouth) and eventually led the team with three picks. His tenacity and instinct also accounted for two forced fumbles and six deflected passes before the season was over.

In other words, Balestracci single-handedly turned a liability for the 2000 squad into an invaluable asset.

"After losing an incredible player at such an important position like Isaiah, we desperately needed someone to step up and fill this void, if we had any chance of competing for a title," said wide receiver Carl Morris. "Dante came in and immediately filled this void from the first snap against Holy Cross to the last snap against Yale."

But talking to Balestracci, one would never suspect him of being one of Harvard's all-time best linebackers. He modestly deflects credit to his teammates and remains reverent of the rich football past that he has inherited.

"The coaching staff, especially [linebackers] Coach [Bruce] Tall, and the rest of the defense helped me along the way and were great teachers," Balestracci said. "I don't know if I would call it filling in for Isaiah because I don't know if you can replace such a great player, but it is an honor to even be mentioned in the same sentence with him."

With due respect to the legacy left behind by Kacyvenski and appreciative of Balestracci's humility and the contributions of his fellow coaches and players, it seems fair to say that part of the "honor" of which Dante speaks belongs to the team that is fortunate to have a player of his unparalleled caliber.

"He is one of the best athletes that I have ever seen, with exceptional hands and instincts," Morris said. "I believe that he can be one of the best football players that this storied program has ever seen."

Balestracci's effort and record-breaking performance this past season has accrued almost universal praise and respect from his teammates. In a way, Balestracci's blend youthful fire and veteran poise has inspired other Crimson players to expect more of themselves.

"As a freshman, it is very difficult to step into such a leadership role, but he did it with amazing poise," said running back Nick Palazzo. "I am looking forward to getting to play with the next few years because of his winning attitude and level of intensity."

Palazzo isn't alone in his expectations for Balestracci. There are whispers already that he will join Kacyvenski and Matt Birk '98 in the elite ranks of the National Football League. As usual, Balestracci's response in straightforward.

When asked about his pro prosects at the end of last season, Balestracci just commented: "I love the game of football, and I'll play it until they tell me I can't play anymore."

If his performance as a freshman linebacker is any indication, the powers-that-be will let Dante play for as long as he wants. But for now, Balestracci will focus on next season. Returning with a strong supporting cast on defense and an explosive offense, there is no telling what Harvard can accomplish in the fall.

And, if you are wondering, the season prospectus for 2001 no longer lists linebacker as a vulnerability for the Crimson. Instead, Balestracci's superb performance last year is called "a pleasant surprise."

Talk about an understatement.