Meet Class Of 2020 Geneva's Michael Ninni As He Talks Football And Upcoming Season
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for lllinois 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. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Michael Ninni Class of 2020 Geneva DB/LB 5'11 187
How was your 2018 season?
As a team first player our season wasn't quite up to our expectations. We were able to get some momentum and rattle off three straight wins to end the season. Personally I was able to help the team in many different spots on the defensive side of the ball. I was able to play linebacker, safety, and corner depending on our matchup.
What is your favorite memory from last season?
My favorite memory from last year was going in against a well respected team in Wheaton North. That game I was playing strong safety, we were up before the rain delay and had to continue the game the next day. We treated the next morning as a playoff game, I had 9 tackles, 2 of which were for a loss.
What should college coaches know about you?
College coaches should know that football is a big part of my life, I have played since I was 5 years old. I am a real student of the game and love all aspects of it. Whether it is watching film, working in the weight room, or working hard in the classroom. One thing I really take pride in is my football IQ, I am constantly learning, asking questions, and working hard to achieve my ultimate goal. I was also voted captain and won the Black and Blue Pride Award that is awarded to the player with the best weight room and competiton attendance rate.
What is one thing in your game that you want to improve during offseason?
I have been attacking this offseason with a mission to get bigger, faster, and stronger. At this point, I have been able to gain 30 pounds and am now at 190. I am now working on my speed and agility.
How does Geneva look this upcoming season?
We finished off last season with a sour taste in our mouths. Our motto of this offseason has been "Bring the Sword Back" Our goal is to bring the program back to where it was not too long ago. We have a lot of returning starters from last year that have really bought in this offseason. If we continue to work as hard as we have been, the sky really is the limit.
What do you like about playing on the secondary?
I love the secondary because of the overall preparation it takes to play the position, week in and week out. Every week you have to understand what the other team does offensively, route concepts, formations, and keys that will dictate coverages and alignments. The other two big ones for me is the physicalness to come up and make a hit, and the competition. Being on an island with someone competing is something I enjoy.
What does football mean to you?
As I said earlier, football is something I started playing since I was 5 years old and it taught me many of life lessons. It is the ultimate team sport. I loved football but never realized how much it really meant to me until I got hurt week 7. I had a MCL sprain and was trying to work to get cleared for the last two games. Sitting on the sidelines, I realized how much it killed me to not be able to play. I never want to feel that again.
Which Geneva players should I be on the lookout for next season?
Jacob Costello, he was a junior linebacker that had a great season. Two defensive ends that saw a lot of time, Hank Smith and Jack Klbecka. They have been hitting the weight room hard with me.
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