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player ready...Long odds are nothing new for Shalen James.
The North Chicago senior has had multiple injuries during his high school career. He broke a wrist during his freshman season, suffered a concussion a year later and dislocated his right shoulder during his long-delayed and abbreviated junior season earlier this year.
He also experienced significant loss off the field when one of his cousins and one of his uncles died, both during his sophomore year.
“I’ve been through a lot in my life — when my cousin got killed, which really hurt me, and my uncle passing away,” James said. “Football really helped me. I was always hurt, but I also was able to be playing at times and with my teammates. It was a difficult sophomore year.”
Now James will attempt to lead the Warhawks, who won just one game last season, from a position he hasn’t played since he was a freshman. He is North Chicago’s starting quarterback.
“I’m happy to be getting back on the field again,” he said. “Injuries are part of football, and they come and go. I’m healthy now and excited about this season. I want to have fun and stay healthy all season. I want to lead my team to wins and the playoffs. We have a really good offensive line with size and strength that will help me.”
North Chicago has a steep hill to climb in the Northern Lake County Conference, which Antioch has controlled in recent years.
But James is a player to watch in Lake County. At 6 feet and 145 pounds, he might not run over many tacklers, but his speed should test opposing defenses. James, who played wide receiver last season, said he benefited from running track and lowered his time in the 40-yard dash to 4.4 seconds.
North Chicago coach Wilton Hill Jr., who played safety for Northern Illinois, said he has watched James grow up and has been impressed with his ability to handle adversity.
“Shalen has been through a lot, with injuries and personal issues,” Hill said. “But he’s really matured these last three or four years. I’ve known his family all my life, so it’s good to see him continue to get better.
“I’m excited to see what he can do at quarterback. He has really good speed, a good understanding of what we’re trying to do with the running game and makes good decisions with the football.”
James said he’s got a good grasp of the offense and how to lead a team. He’s not worried about his lack of experience at quarterback. He said he started his football career as a “very small” offensive lineman with no knowledge of the position.
“I would like to play in college, so getting my tape out there is important,” James said. “I’ve known coach (Hill) a long time because my dad went to school with him. That’s a good thing for me. It gives me the motivation to push hard.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
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Team: North Chicago.
Spring record: 1-5.
Offensive leaders: Quamarr Duty, senior, OL; Shalen James, senior, QB; Curtis Norwood, senior, OL.
Defensive leaders: Quardale Maggett, senior, DL/LB; Terrell Turner, junior, LB; Nasir Young, senior, LB.
Playoff history: 10 appearances, including 44-0 loss to Genoa-Kingston in 2019 Class 4A first round.
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