Transitioning from the atmosphere of high school football to the collegiate ranks can be daunting, but Barrington senior wide receiver Josh Babicz insists that won’t be the case for him.
Babicz has committed to North Dakota State, winners of five consecutive Football Championship Subdivision national titles, who also produced Carson Wentz, the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL draft.
What makes Babicz so comfortable with both schools?
“The fan base is just amazing,” Babicz said of North Dakota State. “They get full houses and the fans are so loud. Great atmosphere.
“It’s just like Barrington. It’s so fantastic playing for Barrington.”
Babicz is listed at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, though he’s quick to point out he’s a quarter-inch away from 6-6. That height was on display Friday, Aug. 26, for Barrington’s 41-15 season-opening victory against Glenbrook South. The Broncos scored their first touchdown of the season when junior quarterback Ray Niro lofted the ball 33 yards to Babicz, who calmly jumped high with arms outstretched to snag the pass over the smaller defensive back.
“The DBs are shorter,” Babicz said. “I have the confidence that when the ball is thrown up there I can go up and get it.”
Babicz, who caught 11 touchdown passes last season, credits his play on the Barrington boys volleyball team for aiding his jump. He is the complete package, Broncos football coach Joe Sanchez said.
“For a kid his size, he has impressive athletic abilities,” Sanchez said. “He’s explosive. Great hands. He’s just scratched the surface. Once he gets to college and focuses on football year-round, the sky is the limit.”
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His teammates are just as impressed.
“He’s taught me a lot. It’s so fun to watch him,” senior wide receiver Griffin Gabbert said. “You toss the ball, and he just jumps up and catches it. Amazing.”
Game notes
*Niro, in his first game as the starting quarterback, had quite a debut. He ran for an 83-yard touchdown and threw scoring passes of 33 and 62 yards against Glenbrook South.
The Broncos (1-0) also got help from their defense. The Barrington starters held Glenbrook South (0-1) to 133 yards and no points through three quarters before the reserves took over. Senior linebacker Blake Holley led the way with 11 tackles in three quarters, and classmate Dave Lozzio supplied an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown.
*Barrington will host Prospect on Friday, Sept. 2, in a Mid-Suburban League crossover game. The Knights (1-0) beat Hinsdale South 20-16 in Week 1 behind strong play from the special teams unit. Prospect blocked a punt, blocked a field goal and kicked two field goals of its own.
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @markdavidperlma