Already all-conference for Neuqua Valley, Division I recruit Max Schueneman eyes more

Neuqua Valley offensive lineman Max Schueneman received a rude welcome to varsity football.

It came two years ago in the opening game of his sophomore season at Oswego.

“My first varsity play, I actually fell straight on my face,” Schueneman said.

It was literally the lowest point of his varsity career. He bounced back quickly on the next play.

“I think we got 5 yards on a run,” Schueneman said. “I’ve been better since then.”

Indeed, the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Schueneman has steadily improved and is the biggest and most versatile lineman for the Wildcats (3-6, 2-5) as he enters his senior season. The Lindenwood recruit started at right guard as a sophomore and then earned all-conference honors in the Southwest Valley Blue at left tackle last season, when he was effective on 87% of his blocks.

Schueneman expects to return to right guard this season, although Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus won’t hesitate to move him around as the team returns to the DuPage Valley Conference.

“I think he will (play guard), and it has nothing to do with him not being able to play tackle and everything to do with where we feel like he’s going to best help our football team,” Ellinghaus said.

“There’s nowhere on the offensive line that I wouldn’t play him. We’ve bounced him around a little bit. He knows where every position is.”

Neuqua Valley senior quarterback Drake Mennecke doesn’t mind where Schueneman plays. Mennecke is comfortable knowing Schueneman is protecting him.

“It’s awesome to play with Max,” Mennecke said. “I think it is for sure a privilege because anytime I line up behind my center, I know that Max is going to get his guy no matter what. He’s going to fight his hardest against the end.”

Mennecke said Schueneman has been working hard all summer and will have “a breakout year.” That’s high praise considering Schueneman already was playing at a high level. He began training with OL Mafia in December.

“They’ve helped me a lot, and I’ve been in the gym every day getting better,” he said. “We do a lot of running and run and pass blocking, work on technique.”

Linemen need to have quick feet, and Schueneman is working on that.

“I like to think for my size I’m pretty fast,” he said. “I’m actually playing more guard this year, so I’m pulling more and more involved in that, so I’m excited for that.

“Also, blowing up the ends is pretty fun too.”

Schueneman’s increased speed hasn’t come at the expense of his strength.

“He actually lost a little bit of weight, dropped about 10 pounds,” Ellinghaus said. “He’s lost a little of the baby fat, and he’s more athletic. But he’s stronger now than he’s ever been.”

Schueneman is Neuqua Valley’s fourth offensive lineman to commit to a Division I program during Ellinghaus’ tenure, which began in 2012. Schueneman will be the second Division I player in his family, joining his uncle Karl, who played offensive line at Iowa State from 1972 to 1975.

“I’m thrilled that he’s got a Division I scholarship,” Ellinghaus said. “Division I scholarships are now even more of a premium than ever before because of the portal. So fewer and fewer kids are able to get those Division I scholarships.”

Schueneman is especially happy that he wrapped up his recruiting before his final high school season.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “It feels great. It feels like this high school career has flown by. We should be very good this year.”

If the Wildcats, who are looking to bounce back from two consecutive losing seasons, are good, Schueneman figures to be a catalyst.

“He’s developed into more of a leader over the last couple years,” Ellinghaus said. “Our kids just voted him captain. He’s an awesome kid.

“We have a bunch of awesome kids here, but Max is one of the best. He’s just a super, super solid human. He’s a guy who would help anybody out on the team.”