Talking With Glenbrook South Linebacker Patrick Downing Class Of 2023 - Name To Watch
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. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Dish Football is respected in the IHSA. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Patrick Downing Glenbrook South Linebacker Class Of 2023 5'10 170
Patrick Downing how was your senior season?
It didn't end as we had planned but it was a lot of fun and we finished 9-2. I love my teammates; we were a group of guys that played for each other, were happy for each other's successes and truly played as a team. Individually, I had 85 total tackles, 12 TFL's, 11 sacks, 11 QB pressures, and was twice defensive Player of the Week. I do feel the need to say that our linebackers made a lot of plays this season because opposing teams had to account for our All State DE Jacque Gariepy. This season was a such a great experience, one will remember for the rest of my life. What do you feel is your strongest trait on the football field?
I think I have a nose for the ball, am hard to block and can close on ball carriers quickly.
What do you like about playing on the defense?
Tackling of course, it is the best feeling, especially when it is for a sack or a tackle for a loss. What should college coaches know about you?
I believe in the strength of a team, I work hard everyday at making myself and my teammates better. I also take constructive criticism well, I am coachable. Finally I would want them to know that I appreciate the grind of hard work, I learned this from wrestling. What schools have you talked to so far?
No one for football yet. I am visiting Northern IL for Wrestling next week. What was one of your favorite memories this season?
I would say my favorite Team memory was our comeback win vs Palatine and then my favorite memory is my back-to-back sacks vs Evanston. Who is one player on Glenbrook South that going to have a breakout season next season?
I have to stay true to my front 4 unit, so I believe Jake Rueckert will break out next year, plus it would be wrong if I was to pick my brother, Henry.
How excited are you to start wrestling?
Super excited. Over the summer, I went to Princeton University's wrestling camp and the Malacek camp in Wisconsin. I also competed at the National HS Duals in Virginia Beach. I believe the extra work has helped and look forward to competing this year. How has wrestling made you a better football player?
It has made me a better tackler; I believe if I can get my hands on someone, I am going to take him down. Also, all the hand fighting we learn in wrestling helps me keep offensive lineman's hands off me. Finally, the way we use leverage and balance in wrestling helps in defeating blocks. What advice would you give a football player on the fence about joining wrestling?
I think people are on the fence because of the hard work, but mostly people tell me they are nervous of the 1 on 1 competition. So, I would tell them that not only will wrestling improve your football skills like it did for me, but it will also make you mentally tougher. It is hard to step on the mat alone and compete but each time you do you get mentally stronger, and it builds with each match. To me, it makes other sports competition easier. I know I am calmer, more dialed and ready during a game winning play like a 4th & goal, and I know it's because I wrestle.
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