Wauconda senior linebacker Nick Smith says he has gained 10 pounds of muscle over the past year.
That’s good news for the Bulldogs.
For Wauconda’s opponents? Not so much.
“For me, last year, I felt like I was getting tossed around a little bit,” Smith said. “I didn’t like that.”
To change that, he hit the weight room — and the kitchen.
“It’s weights and eating right,” he said. “It takes a lot of eating — get enough calories and then getting at it again, breaking down muscle and building it up again.”
His menu is far-reaching, including everything from pasta, tacos and pizza to steak and pork chops.
First-year Wauconda coach Chris Prostka, who replaces Dave Mills, marveled at Smith’s commitment, especially in the summer, when it can be easy for a player to lag a little.
“His summer camp attendance was 100%,” Prostka said.
That’s the kind of commitment that makes a difference to teammates like junior Zac Johnson, who will get time at quarterback, safety, kicker and punter this season.
“The work ethic wears off on everyone else,” Johnson said. “Everyone tries to work harder to match him. Everyone looks up to him.”
But it’s Smith’s play that has earned him accolades, especially from Prostka, a former assistant under Mills. Prostka lauded Smith’s ability as a pass rusher and tackler in space last season, when he paired up with then-senior linebacker Nick Bennett. Smith led the Bulldogs (10-1) with four sacks and averaged 6.6 tackles.
That defensive setup was a big reason Wauconda sailed through its regular-season schedule, going 9-0 and winning the Northern Lake County Conference, before losing in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. Among the wins, the Bulldogs beat Antioch for the first time in years.
Wauconda’s season-ending defeat, a 49-20 loss to Prairie Ridge, has motivated Smith.
Under Prostka, Smith is going to get plenty of opportunities to do what he does best: hit. Prostka and his staff have come up with different stunts and plenty of movement that will complement Smith’s capabilities.
Here’s another wrinkle: Smith is going to get reps at running back, which he’s relishing.
“I’ve been wanting to play running back since sophomore year,” he said. “I’ve been running more and getting that conditioning in.”
Smith’s determination to stay on the field matches his commitment to his offseason work. He hopes to draw more interest from college programs. Aurora, Benedictine, Monmouth, Carroll, Knox and Wisconsin-Platteville already expressed interest.
Wauconda will need more than Smith to succeed, however.
“It takes all 11 guys, and that’s what we had last year,” he said. “You have to come together as a unit and need all 11 to be successful, and that’s what we’re looking to do this year.”
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Team: Wauconda.
2021 record: 10-1.
Offensive leaders: Tyler Schmidt, senior, guard; Connor Vanselow, junior, running back; Jake Becker, senior, tackle; Chase Groelle, senior, tight end.
Defensive leaders: Nick Smith, senior, linebacker; Jackson Ori, senior, cornerback; Brock Pfeiffer, junior, safety.
X-factor: Zac Johnson, junior, quarterback/safety/kicker/punter.