All Jake Marwede knew before this season was the quarterback position.
That changed when senior Emmett Clifford was tabbed the starter for the Loyola football team.
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But Marwede, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound junior, has found a way to get himself on the field. Not only did he switch to receiver, but he plays several snaps a game as the Ramblers’ Wildcat quarterback.
“You can put him anywhere on the field, and he’s going to do well,” Clifford said. “He can run, be a lead blocker, play tight end, line up as an outside receiver. He can do it all. It probably was a tough transition after playing quarterback his whole life to playing some new positions, but he’s really stepped into the role.”
Marwede, a Lake Forest resident who went to Deer Path Middle School, had his best varsity game in Loyola’s 24-22 win over Palatine in the Class 8A state semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 21. From under center, he ran four times for 14 yards and one touchdown. At receiver, he caught four balls for 54 yards and another touchdown.
Loyola (13-0) hopes he can repeat that performance when the Ramblers take on Marist for the state championship at Northern Illinois’ Huskie Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.
“I’d say the transition wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be,” Marwede said. “My coaches and teammates have been a great help. I think having been a quarterback has played a big part in helping me become a receiver.”
On Marwede’s touchdown catch, he and Clifford noticed the one-on-one matchup on the outside. Marwede got to the front right corner of the end zone in time for Clifford’s pass, and he went up and snatched the ball over the cornerback’s outstretched arms.
“We were on the same page,” Marwede said of his connection with Clifford. “Being able to recognize coverages plays a role in me being a good receiver.”
So does his size.
Both Loyola coach John Holecek and Loyola offensive coordinator Tyler Vradenburg marvel at Marwede’s physical attributes.
“You don’t see bodies like his in high school that much,” Holecek said. “His hands are freakish.”
Added Vradenburg, “It’s nice to be 6-5 and a freak. His hands are giant. That’s nice to have as a receiver.”
Marwede’s first catch was an important one, a 21-yard reception on third-and-7 from Loyola’s 5-yard line late in the third quarter. Although the Ramblers didn’t score on the series, it enabled them to flip the field position with a 17-9 lead.
His last run of the game clinched Loyola’s victory. On third-and-3 from Palatine’s 16 and the clock showing 1:03 remaining in the fourth, Marwede powered through the line for 11 yards. Loyola took two knees for the win.
“He came up big several times,” Clifford said. “That run sealed the deal for us. He’s just a monster out there.”
Twitter: @harnesspreps