Hudak has Hoffman seeing a different dimension
Jordan Hudak has Hoffman Estates looking at its triple option offense in 2-D.
Options were a bit limited the last two years with only 396 combined yards passing. But Hudak has three years of experience running the offense and throwing in it as well.
"Hudak had a great summer at quarterback," said Hoffman coach Bill Helzer. "I know with Jordan we're going to throw the ball more than in the past. He does a great job and he's excited to get out and prove what he can do."
Among Hudak's targets is a nice one in 6-foot-5 senior Eric Saubert, who Helzer said a great summer. Junior Mike Jackson was on the varsity for a couple of games last year and brings track speed to spread the field.
While the Hawks relied heavily on Mike Reeves (501 yards) and quarterback David Gutierrez (451 yards) to do much of running last year, there are more dimensions with Alex Proskey, Jared Bruemmer and Taquan Jones. Senior Kyle Hendle (6-1, 250) returns up front after a strong junior year.
Amir Kahn moves over from the offensive line to defensive end with sophomore Don Fielder in Hoffman's 3-5-3.
"Fielder is very, very athletic and he reminds us of Reeves," Helzer said. "We're excited about what he can do. Amir had a great offseason."
For the first time since Helzer took over, Hoffman's three inside linebackers seniors Alex Garcia and Proskey and junior Sebastian Myers all weigh more than 200 pounds. Myers put on 15 pounds as the sophomores had an academic weight training class during the school year for the first time.
"We don't have a (Barrington's Dan) Voltz or (former Fremd star Christian) Lombard, but I feel more so this year than in the past we're closing the gap physically between some of those guys in the West," Helzer said. "A lot of guys pound for pound are much better."
And Helzer sees a good mix between a successful junior class and a senior group that helped Hoffman end a 23-game losing streak with a dramatic Week 8 win over Conant.
"I really like what we have going," Helzer said. "The seniors have really bought into the idea of working hard.
"They haven't had much success and they've put in the time and effort to rectify it. The juniors have had success and we're excited to get them up here."
Hawks at a glance
Coach: Bill Helzer (7-38, sixth year)
Last year: 1-8, 1-4 (5th West)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
QB Jordan Hudak 6-0/175 Sr.
TB Alex Proskey 5-10/210 Sr.
WB Matt Mednus 6-0/175 Jr.
WB David Allen 6-1/160 Sr.
LT Chris Labeots 6-3/290 Jr.
LG Kyle Hendle 6-1/250 Sr.
C Jimmy Wood 6-0/240 Sr.
RG Mike Lichtenberger 5-7/185 Sr.
RT Jake Voegtle 5-11/230 Sr.
WR Eric Saubert 6-5/220 Sr.
WR Mike Jackson 6-0/175 Jr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
DE Amir Kahn 6-4/275 Sr.
NT Vince Hernandez 5-10/260 Sr.
DE Don Fielder 5-10/195 So.
OLB Jared Bruemmer 5-7/160 Jr.
SLB Alex Proskey 5-10/210 Sr.
MLB Alex Garcia 6-0/220 Sr.
WLB Sebastian Myers 6-0/185 Jr.
OLB Matt Mednus 6-0/175 Jr.
CB David Allen 6-1/160 Sr.
CB Jake Pearson 6-1/170 Sr.
S Zach Hommowun 6-0/170 Jr.