Colin Casas does not seem to enjoy talking about himself.
The New Trier senior uttered few words after the football team’s 40-13 win over Highland Park in a Central Suburban crossover game on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Northfield.
So far, his play at linebacker says enough about him.
Against the Giants, he had two tackles for loss in the second quarter as the Trevians (4-0) took a 27-0 lead into the half. In last week’s 29-14 win at Maine West, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder had two sacks, two tackles for loss and a safety.
“He’s a low talker,” New Trier junior quarterback Clay Czyzynski said. “But he’s a really good leader for us.”
The Trevians will get a big boost when Casas gets healthy. He injured his left knee during the preseason and is only starting to get the full range of motion back. Once he does, New Trier plans to use him on offense as a halfback and on special teams, in addition to his role as an outside linebacker.
“I’m progressively getting better,” Casas said. “I’m just trying to strengthen my knee and get my confidence back. But I have faith in my knee now, which is big. It’s just a matter of time before I’m 100 percent. I’m close.”
Casas suffered a meniscus tear at a preseason practice and had a medical procedure to clean out his knee. He missed the season opener against York. Since coming back in Week 2, he has yet to play anything other than linebacker.
“It’s going to be amazing to have him out there,” Czyzynski said. “He brings so much energy when he’s on the field.”
When he’s fully recovered, New Trier coach Brian Doll said Casas will be another weapon for an offense that averages 31.5 points a game.
“We will put in some plays and packages for him,” Doll said. “He’s such a great athlete. He’s the kind of player who just glides around the field the way he moves. You don’t think he’s running fast and then he’s already past you.
“He will be a really dynamic player on offense.”
Doll didn’t say for sure, but he hinted that Casas could be available to play offense as early as Friday, Sept. 25, against Evanston. Czyzynski said the sooner the better.
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“He will bring more power to the running game, and he will be big in the passing game,” Czyzynski said. “He just gives me more options.”
Casas said he wants to help the Trevians in any way he can.
“I enjoy playing football,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time before I am able to do everything I want to do.”
Notes
* Doll said Czyzynski had his most complete game of the season. The junior finished 18-for-21 for 239 yards and three touchdowns, including a 50-yarder to senior receiver Christian Miller for the first score of the game. Miller had five catches for 129 yards.
* New Trier plays at Evanston (3-1) on Friday, Sept. 25, in the first game of the Central Suburban South schedule. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
* Highland Park junior running back DJ Penick ran 20 times for 89 yards and one touchdown. He has 887 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in four games. Senior running back Cristian Volpentesta had 10 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown on Saturday, Sept. 19.
* The Giants (1-3) play host to Glenbrook North at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in the Central Suburban North opener.
Twitter: @harnesspreps