Scouting the Naperville Central Redhawks
One way or another, Naperville Central wants the ball in the hands of Hayden Daniels.
Whether that means the University of Illinois-bound athlete is at quarterback or wide receiver, the Redhawks' biggest playmaker will be put in a position to make plays.
Daniels certainly will see significant time behind center, but he'll also flash the receiver skills that last season allowed him to catch 52 passes for 815 yards and 7 touchdowns.
"He's what makes us go, he's a leader out there," said Naperville Central coach Mike Stine. "At times we'll need him out at receiver. What Hayden allows us to do is spread the field."
With Daniels the Redhawks' offense aims to be as unpredictable this year as it was predictable last year. After graduated quarterback Nick Linne helped carry the team to the Class 8A quarterfinals by accounting for more than 2,500 total yards last year, Naperville Central will shift gears and spread the ball among its many talented skill players.
Beyond Daniels, a crucial element of the offense will be junior Ian Lewandowski, a defensive player last year who will be the quarterback when Daniels is at receiver. Lewandowski, along with junior running back Matt Randolph, will be the focus of the ground game behind a line that returns starters Eric Pachter, Russell Tanzillo and tight end Chris Levine.
The Redhawks also return one of the DuPage Valley's top defensive players in all-conference linebacker Will Sayer, who led the team in total tackles last season. A speedy unit also brings back lineman Kyle Cerchio and safety Tyler Hatcher.
With a total of only seven returning starters, inexperience fills the field. Stine also stresses the need to develop depth on both sides of the ball.
Given the overall talent, though, confidence remains. Especially with Daniels running the show.
"We're going to be an unknown on offense, and that could be to our advantage," Stine said. "Hopefully, we catch some defenses off guard."
The breakdown
Coach: Mike Stine (fifth year, 28-15).
2009 record: 8-3, 5-2, third in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Hayden Daniels (QB-WR, 6-4, 190, sr.); Will Sayer (LB, 6-1, 215, sr.); Chris Levine (TE, 6-2, 210, sr.); Eric Pachter (OL, 6-3, 305, sr.); Russell Tanzillo (OL, 6-2, 230, sr.); Kyle Cerchio (DL, 5-11, 220, sr.); Tyler Hatcher (DB, 6-2, 185, sr.); Ian Lewandowski (QB-RB, 6-0, 195, jr.); Conor Philbin (DB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Matt Randolph (RB, 6-1, 195, jr.); Riley Just (WR, 6-1, 160, sr.); Nate Laskowski (WR, 6-1, 155, sr.); Zach Borta (DL, 6-1, 220, jr.); Rob Girgis (DL, 6-2, 220, jr.); John Dulleck (LB, 6-2, 220, jr.).