Nick Schutkovske fancied himself a quarterback.
Andrean’s senior middle linebacker played that position, as well as free safety, throughout Pop Warner and middle school. He envisioned how the scenario would unfold when he joined the 59ers.
“I was going to be the next gunslinger, option, dual-threat,” Schutkovske said. “That got shut down pretty quickly.”
Andrean coach Chris Skinner “guaranteed” Schutkovske still thinks he throws a good ball, but it isn’t true.
“At the freshman level, you never know who’s coming in, how many,” Skinner said. “We don’t have a feeder program. So the first few days of freshman camp, we go through a rotation of positions and assess them. From Day 1, he said he was a quarterback. Let’s just say he didn’t stay there very long. I still tease him to this day.”
Schutkovske has developed into a standout two-year starter at inside linebacker for the 59ers.
It’s clear Skinner has a certain bond with Schutkovske.
Skinner, in his second season leading Andrean, was the freshman coach for the current seniors and moved up to junior varsity when they were sophomores. He’s spent a lot of time with that class.
And especially as a smallish defensive back and wide receiver during his playing career with the 59ers, Skinner appreciates the performance of the 5-foot-10, 200-pound Schutkovske.
“He’s a little undersized compared to our other linebackers, but he’s a really tough kid, strong,” Skinner said. “He’s really smart, he has very good technique. He’s just one of those gamers.
“He’s the emotional leader of our defense, that captain. There are guys on our defense who are probably going to play big-time college football and just because of his size, he won’t — he’s probably tapped out at the Division III level. But that does not take away from what he means to this defense.”
Schutkovske leads the 59ers (8-3) with 85 tackles, including 19 against Lowell, as they prepare for Friday’s Class 3A Sectional 25 championship game at West Lafayette (10-1). He has 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one recovery. He also returned an interception for a touchdown against Munster.
Schutkovske’s productivity and confidence have increased since last season.
“As you get older, the game’s going to slow down,” he said. “You’re able to make more accurate reads. You’ve been through it, you’ve seen all the teams at least one time. You’re able to read things quicker and get in a better position to make plays and to help your team make plays.
“I have a good mind for the game. I’m a little undersized, so with that, you have to be quick-witted and do all the technical things like footwork and quick hands.”
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Schutkovske made a concerted effort to hit the weight room and gained 25 pounds between his sophomore and junior seasons.
“That really helped me compete for a starting position, which I eventually won out,” he said.
Schutkovske’s upward trajectory has continued.
“He loves high school football, he loves Andrean,” Skinner said. “He’s had a very good football career here.
“At the high school level, just because you aren’t that big, that doesn’t mean you can’t impact a game and be a good player. He’s worked very hard to be as successful as he is.”
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