Meet Nazareth's DT Lukas Salaviejus Class Of 2020 Talks Roadrunner Football
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
Lukas Salaviejus DT Class of 2020 Nazareth 6'0 240
Lukas Salaviejus how has your college camp season been so far?
My college camp season has been special and a learning experience. My junior year I took time on my body and skill so I can be a important piece on the team. This year I’ve been going to many camps making a name for myself and go against the best of the best.
What does Nazareth football mean to you?
Nazareth football means family and legacy because of how perfectly the program is ran by Coach Racki. As a freshman I joined a brotherhood where I felt at home right away because of the way Devonte Dunn and Isaiah Lee who are Nazareth Alumni, impacted the football program majorly, it made me feel fit in regardless of the fact that I was a underclassmen. The team is continuing to grow closer as we all hangout together almost every week for team bonding.
How good can this Nazareth defensive line be for this upcoming season?
I really believe that this defensive Line is if not the best one of the best in the state. CJ and Ryan Keeler are some big names out right now, but we have dogs like Malik Poe-Roland , Drew Hughes, Jon Sarich and myself that I truly believe will all be conference players. We are taught by the best defensive line Coach, Coach Battaglia and he makes sure that we are able to become the best we can be. We even got a name for this line, The Kingdom, to really emphasize that linemen are the most important position.
Any funny Coach Battaglia stories?
He is by far one of the funniest men out there. Everyday he comes up with something different. He is one of reasons why football players want to come out to the field and practice. I feel like if a person came to one of our practices and less than a minute Coach Battaglia can put a smile on that persons face. It not really his stories that are hilarious it’s more of how he talks to players. He really makes sure your being focused at the same time. A perfect example is when someone doesn’t pay attention to what he is teaching he doesn’t really yell, but he’ll make a joke that makes the player really pay attention next time and the best thing about it no one will get offended.
How do you handle a double team block?
The way I handle a double team is actually before the play even starts. If the linemen give signs of he will help or down block you he will usually look at you or lean a little towards your direction. At first I will put hands on the man that is front of me and try to stay low and separate them by fighting off one man. As the game progress I know the better blocking linemen I will try to put my hands on the linemen who is the worst of the two. If I lose my footing or something goes wrong I will try to go straight down and take the linemen down with me create a pile in the hole so the running back can not run through my responsibility.
What does "senior season" mean to you?
High school flew by fast and it’s crazy that it is my senior year. Senior season to me means everything I worked for and all the things I’ve learned throughout my year will be displayed every second I have on the field whether it’s in practice or game. That also comes with being a leader this year with having a lot of new players who came up to varsity. I really think CJ West and I will prepare “The Kingdom” to go for another state title game this year. This team will be very special and surprise a lot of people this season.
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