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Adibi Brothers Show Brotherhood On and Off Field |
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Written by Jacob Minnick
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Tuesday, 17 October 2006 |
Virginia Tech’s football team is all about brotherhood, both as teammates and in real life. There is no better example than Nathaniel and Xavier Adibi.
The sons of Abiodun and Leanne Adibi, both played under Coach Bill Dee at Phoebus High School in Hampton, Va. and were rated as top prospects in the country when they committed to Tech.
Separated by three years, the two brothers were often competitive in athletics and always looked out for one another. They developed a good relationship at an early age, a connection still evident in their relationship on and off the football field to this day.
Xavier came to Tech during Nathaniel’s last season and studied under him in that first year, preparing for the experiences and opportunities he might face during football and at college in the next few years.
“My brother’s been a great role model for me,” Xavier said. “I’ve always followed him around and looked up to him since I was a little kid.”
Xavier has developed a strong mentality of putting every bit of effort into all aspects of his life, a quality he learned from his father. Nathaniel also tries to lend advice wherever possible and uses his experiences in life to teach Xavier some things he has gained knowledge of first hand.
“I just try to tell him to take things one step at a time and to always be aware of what’s going on,” Nathaniel said. “I think the best thing you can do as a football player is take what you learn on the field and apply that to lots of things in life and I think that’s what Xavier does.”
Xavier, an apparel, housing and resource management major, is currently in his junior year playing outside linebacker at Tech.
Nathaniel was drafted in 2004 by the Indianapolis Colts and spent a year with that team before being released and joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2006 alongside recent alumnus defensive end Darryl Tapp. He has not yet played a game in the NFL. Now, he is working as a graduate assistant for the Hokies. Although he misses running out on the field as a player, he still gets a rush from simply being part of Tech footbal.
“It’s a real learning experience just to see what these guys go through from a different perspective and look at college football as a whole new spectrum to me,” Nathaniel said.
Both of the brothers are recognized as extremely talented athletes on the field with speed, agility and strength uncommon in defenders at their respective positions. Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster has had the opportunity of coaching both of the brothers and developing them into better athletes and respectable men. He worked with Nathaniel as a coordinator in a more general sense but has formed a closer relationship with Xavier as both a coordinator and his positional coach.
“To me, they’re very similar football players,” Foster said. “Although Xavier typically has a nastier demeanor than his brother did, and that’s not a bad thing. They both leave it all on the field every game.”
Foster gives both Nathaniel and Xavier high praise for their work ethic and overall attitudes.
“Nathaniel was an outstanding player and will always be a great person. Both of them are good people and it really makes them fun to work with,” Foster said. “ I think Nathaniel being here will only help both of them continue to grow and mature.”
Coming into this year, Xavier was touted as one of the best linebackers in the country along with middle linebacker Vince Hall. He still has this season and the next to continue to develop and grow as a man and athlete.
“They’re both just really highly motivated guys who put all their effort into everything,” Foster said. “I know they’ll be successful in whatever they choose to do.” |
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