PREP ZONE: Huxtable a name to remember this fall
After a junior year spent as the Tri-Cities’ under-the-radar running back, Jordan Huxtable is ready to take center stage.
Last year, Huxtable made a name for himself with the North Stars, but was mostly overshadowed by Geneva’s Michael Ratay, St. Charles East’s Wes Allen and Batavia’s Bai Kabba.
Now that those three standout backs have graduated, the limelight – and high expectations – belong to Huxtable.
“I’m going to just play my game,” Huxtable said. “I’m sure there will be people watching me, saying ‘Can you live up to Wes and Ratay?’ That’s not what I’m trying to do but if I live up to them that’s a compliment to me because I know they were great running backs and had great careers.
“If that happens, I’ll be really happy, but I’m just going out there playing my game.”
All indications point to Huxtable being prepared to meet the mounting expectations.
The shifty, speedy back started his junior year at about 155 pounds. Now he’s up to 175 pounds, and aims to add another 10 pounds before the season starts.
“It’s more muscle so it really hasn’t slowed me down,” Huxtable said. “It’s actually made me faster.”
Huxtable came about 30 rushing yards short of 1,000 as a junior. His added strength and speed, along with a larger North offensive line, should position Huxtable for many more this go-around.
Workout sessions with area speed trainers Don Beebe and Joe Giustino helped Huxtable make inroads. He has also kept busy this summer at North’s camp sessions and 7-on-7 competitions.
Huxtable said his mindset entering his final season at North is to “go all out and kind of lead by example.”
“I want to go out on top as a senior,” Huxtable said. “No matter when my last game is I want to play well and know I left everything out on the field.”
The North Stars open their season Aug. 28 at Batavia. Huxtable said his nerves for last year’s season opener were high, but not quite like this.
“This year, I think it might top it,” Huxtable said. “I already have butterflies, already getting antsy. ... We all talk about it every day at camp, first game at Batavia, work hard for it. We’re pumped, and I feel like it’s going to hit us pretty quick, but I think we’ll be ready.”
This season, Huxtable can be assured North’s opponents will be ready for him, too – right from the get-go.
• Jay Schwab is sports editor of The Chronicle. He can be reached at 630-845-5382 or jschwab@kcchronicle.com.
