Talking With Sacred Heart Griffin's Senior OL/DL Nick Deaner About His Senior Season And Advice
- Peter "COACH BIG PETE" Leinweber
- Dec 5, 2018
- 3 min read
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams
Nick Deaner SHG Class of 2019 OL/DT
Nick Deaner how was your senior season?
My senior season went well. I made a ton of memories with my coaches and team mates that I will have forever. We ended finishing the season 8-3 and made it to the second round of the playoffs. We fell short of the goal we had for ourselves when we started, but we learned some pretty invaluable lessons along the way.
Favorite memory this season?
I have a couple of memorable moments. The first one that comes to mind is working my tail off with my brothers to earn Coach Leonard his 375th win in the Leonard Bowl. I remember every play that night in an atmosphere that I dreamed of playing in when I was a kid. Another fresh memory is beating Quincy in the first round of the playoffs on one of the most perfect weather football days of the year. Our whole team played their hearts out that day, everyone was clicking. Finally, every day with my guys all season long.
What would you tell a young player about playing line?
You are the last one thanked and the first one blamed...and don't expect the limelight. BUT you can expect the reward of a bond and brotherhood with your fellow linemen that will last way beyond your playing days. If you're willing to work as hard as it takes to make the unit successful, you will accomplish things for your team that no other position can come close to contributing. You will make a difference on EVERY play. Embrace the weight room, embrace the conditioning, embrace the endless reps, embrace the coaching and most importantly....embrace your team mates. You have to love it and it will love you right back.
What is one thing you wish you could redo this season?
Tough question. I think the one thing I would want to redo is to rewind back to the beginning of Fall practice and remind myself....really remind myself that this is the last chance I will have to play with my team mates. I have been playing football with Grant Edwards, Sam Sweetland, Charlie Hamilton, Matt Brenneisen, Cade Holloway, Will Hanken, Frank Mounce, Barrett Kraft, Drew Fox, Nick Broeker, Jake Fahey, Joey Milbrandt and Alec Tabora since grade school. All any of us have ever dreamed of was playing SHG Football together. This was our last year to live that. I would remind myself of that one more time.
What do you tell an incoming SHG player about the program?
First and foremost...the Tradition. A lot of people have come before you and worn that gold helmet with pride. A ton of work has been done before you even walked through the door to make you successful. The coaches are the best in the State, the facilities are second to none, the entire program is everything you want in a high school experience....all in a community of faith. Pretty special stuff. It is up to you to put the extra work in to honor that tradition... and grow it.
Toughest defensive lineman you faced?
In practice every day Grant Edwards, Barrett Kraft and Nick Broeker always kept me hopping. In a game, Isaiah Lee from Nazareth last year was a great battle.
What is in your future plans?
I hope to play college football and get a great education. I want to make my family proud, live my faith and always remember what my coaches (Especially Coach Anderson and Coach Leonard) have drilled into my lineman skull over the years
Remember Deep Dish Football Is Just Not About Recruiting But About The Love Of The Game Of Football In The IHSA
RESPECT THE GAME
