Hinsdale Central’s Garrett Oakey had an impressive stat line on a third quarter drive during the Red Devils’ 35-7 West Suburban Silver victory over York on Friday, Sept. 16.
The junior carried the ball six straight times for a total of 57 yards, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run.
The feat was impressive enough, if not for the fact that Oakey is a starting wide receiver for Hinsdale Central (4-0, 2-0), and he had already caught a 67-yard scoring strike from senior quarterback Josh Bean in the second quarter.
Against York (1-3, 0-2), Oakey added another touchdown reception and finished with four catches for 127 yards.
“Anytime the ball is in his hands, he is one of those kids that can make something happen and get it in the end zone,” Hinsdale Central coach Dan Hartman said. “So we are looking for different ways to get him the ball. He can catch really well, whether it be coming out of the backfield or out at receiver.”
Running back was the position Oakey played most throughout grade school and his first two years at Hinsdale Central. There was a plan to play him at slot receiver last year, but instead he backed up running back Christian Bobak, who is playing football at Illinois.
“This is really my first year where I have played outside and played receiver,” said Oakey, who lives in Hinsdale. “To be honest, I am more comfortable in the running back position. But I go where the team needs me, and the team needs me at wide receiver.”
In order to prepare for the switch of positions, Oakey worked with an independent wide receivers coach and also played with Midwest BOOM in the offseason. Midwest BOOM consists of high school players who compete in regional and national 7-on-7 competitions. Oakey’s team won national championships in Texas (Pylon 7v7) and Florida (IMG 7v7) this past summer.
The York game provided strong evidence that the transition to receiver is going well. His first touchdown grab was a long pass, and in the third quarter he caught a bubble screen before scampering for 46 yards.
“I would probably rather have the deep ball, just because it is a lot easier,” Oakey said. “Once you catch it, you only need to make one guy miss, and then you can score. But I think the bubble screen is more fun, honestly.”
At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Oakey hopes to play in college and said he likely will have a better chance doing that at receiver.
“If I want to play at the next level, I am not going to be able to play running back because of my size. I am too small,” Oakey said. “I need to learn how to work on the outside and work on my skills.”
If working hard is what it will take for Oakey to get to play in college, Bean knows that he is capable of putting in the effort.
“He can do it all, he had a great summer,” said Bean, who lives in Clarendon Hills. “He is one of the hardest workers I know. He is going to keep getting better, this is only the start for him.”
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Another change Oakey made this season was his number. He switched to No. 4, which was worn by Brad Huth, who plays football at Butler and led the Red Devils in receptions and yards last year.
“A lot of great players who have come through Central have worn it, some of the best,” Oakey said.
Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press