Larkin vows to outwork foes -- even on off-days
A major tenet of the Larkin football philosophy this season is to outwork the opponent, and not just on game days.
Though optimistic about the talent and the attitude of his team as the 2009 season gets under way, second-year coach Matt Gehrig says his team needs his team to be in better shape than the opposition each week because several players on the 35-man roster will need to play on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
"We've got the ability," Gehrig said, "but because we're so low numbers-wise we have to make sure we have a superior conditioning level than everyone we face this season. That's going to make the difference for us. We added an improved off-season program with strong senior leadership. We believe the attitude established in the off-season is going to translate to how we take the field."
Last year, Gehrig directed a roster of 34 players within a game of playoff consideration before finishing 4-5 overall, 3-4 in the Upstate Eight Conference.
One player who took the off-season conditioning regimen to heart was returning all-UEC two-way lineman Cody Schue (6-2, 290). He put on 25 pounds of what his coach calls "good weight," which should help him shed blocks when double-teamed, which will be the norm. Schue will line up at various spots along the defensive line as well as at offensive tackle.
Other pieces of the defensive puzzle will include seniors Camerin Martin (5-9, 245), Garrett McDaniel (5-10, 230), Leandre Lee (5-6, 165) and Anthony Dimiceli (6-1, 165). Martin was one of the top players in the Larkin program as a sophomore but was ineligible last season. He returns as a senior to support Schue along the defensive line and is "playing hungry," according to his coach. McDaniel is a natural athlete who hasn't played in two years. He'll fill dual roles at inside linebacker and offensive tackle. Lee, Dimiceli and seniors Alex Wahl (6-1, 195) and Selwyn Hasana (5-11, 190) will play linebacker.
The Royals boast excellent speed in the secondary, where returning senior strong safety Reid Ellis (5-9, 160) will roam alongside senior Brian Cooks (5-10, 150), juniors Brent Cooks (6-0, 160), Kendall Lawton (5-8, 165) and Lee Jackson (5-7, 150), a transfer who played defensive back and quarterback for the Elgin sophomore team last year.
"I think our defense will be sound and I think it will be aggressive," Gehrig said.
Offensively, senior Jalen Williams (5-7, 160) returns at tailback and kick returner. Larkin's leading rusher in 2008 rushed 88 times for 516 yards and 3 touchdowns. He could see limited action in the secondary, where he was named all-UEC last season. Martin will start at fullback and be spelled by juniors Chris Skonieczny (5-10, 185) and Gio Hernandez (5-6, 165).
Larkin's new quarterback will be sophomore Kyle Newquist (6-2, 170), who has impressed in summer camp and fall practice, according to Gehrig. His targets will include Ellis, junior Trevor Whitehead (5-10, 145) Jackson, Brent Cooks and Wahl at tight end.
The line will be anchored by Schue and returning starting guard Eric Lindsey (5-6, 260). Promising newcomer Cory Ulrich (6-1, 210) will play center. His half-brother Matt Ulrich, a Streamwood graduate who played at Northwestern and, later, for the Indianapolis Colts. Junior Andy LaBoy (6-0, 190) and McDaniel round out the line.