Is that all there is for John Hugunin when it comes to playing football?
The jury is still out, but either way, the former Oswego standout will be fine with it.
Hugunin wrapped up his collegiate career this past fall for Drake (6-5), and wrapping up was his specialty.
The senior linebacker was a repeat first team All-Pioneer League selection with 116 tackles (68 solo, 48 assists). He also had 15 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and forced nine fumbles. He earned third team honors on two All-American teams — the Associated Press Football Championship Subdivision and STATS FCS.
“It’s kind of a sweet way to end, getting All-State in high school and All-American in college,” Hugunin said.
Hugunin, Drake’s career tackling leader with 417 stops, may have more in his future.
“On April 2, I’ve got a tryout with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League,” he said.
He will also attend a NFL regional pro day March 23 in Minnesota, and his agent is trying to get him a slot in the workout at Northwestern, he said.
In the meantime, Hugunin, who earned his degree in education, has started substitute teaching in the area.
“Because my body feels so good, I thought I’d give it a try,” he said of the pro tryouts. “I came through my senior year in really good shape.”
After redshirting his freshman year in 2011, Hugunin made good on his plan and started all four years.
“That first year is tough because you’re used to playing, but I knew it was gonna happen and it really prepared me to start the next four years,” he said. “That first year you need to get used to the game speed.
“You’re used to playing 16-to-18-year-olds, and stepping up to college and going against 21-year-olds who have already matured is the biggest difference. You can get away with things in high school you can’t in college.
“I learned that when I was on my back a couple times in my first practice. I really became a technician, but I was really glad for what (former Oswego coach) Dave Keely did to prepare us. The current coach, Brian Cooney, was my position coach. He had played in college and I learned a lot from him.”
Self-described as “kind of undersized,” Hugunin managed to start 42 of his team’s 44 games the next four seasons. He missed two games with a sprained knee his junior season.
“I was hoping to go 44 for 44,” he said. “That’s the first two games and only practices I missed since I started playing pee-wee football in Oswego Youth Tackle Football.”
Hugunin came to Drake at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds.
“This year, I played at 230-235 pounds,” he said. “I was hoping to grow about three inches, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”
Drake defensive coordinator Todd Stepsis would urge pro scouts to look past it.
“They’re highly dependent on measurables, and John’s not the tallest or fastest,” Stepsis said. “But you put the tape on and watch him play, he’s always near the ball.
“I’ve coached him for two years and he’s a warrior. He’s just so dependable.”
If a pro career isn’t in the cards, Hugunin will be ready to move on. He wants to teach middle school science and coach.
In his four-and-a-half years, he experienced plenty of change.
“I played in three different defenses and had three different coordinators and position coaches,” he said. “It was probably tough for some, but great for a football geek like me to see the different way each one approached their jobs. I’m sure it will help me a lot.”
Twitter: @RickArmstrong28
