Nic Lendino was ready to make the move.
A two-year starting safety for Neuqua Valley, Lendino has become a ballhawking cornerback in his senior season.
“There are some differences, but this new position is going to help me with a greater understanding of the defense,” he said.
The shift underscored Lendino’s versatility, athleticism and growing command of the game. He was also named one of the team’s captains.
“Nic has always been a great football player and a tremendous athlete over the last several years,” Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus said. “He has grown into one of the best leaders I have been around.
“He is the type of player that makes everyone around him better. His versatility allows us to do a lot of things on defense.”
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Lendino combines size, range and speed for Neuqua Valley, which reached a Class 8A state quarterfinal last season.
Moving from safety to cornerback unlocks another part of his game. At safety, he could roam, support the run defense and cover tight ends and slot receivers. Now he is outside and tasked with slowing down the opponent’s fastest players.
“There are always going to be challenges based on the personnel,” Lendino said. “I feel confident I am fast enough to compete with anybody out there.
“I have the speed to match that, and I have the fundamentals necessary to guard anyone.”
As a sophomore, Lendino flashed his athleticism and speed with a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown that sparked a victory against DeKalb.
“I am patient but also aggressive at the same time,” he said. “I am smart enough from my experience over the last two years to know the right time to be passive or patient and make the transition to being that fast, physical corner.”
Ellinghaus said Lendino’s ability to move around will allow the Wildcats to make adjustments.
“He could start at several different defensive positions, and he may have to move around for us a little bit this year,” Ellinghaus said. “I believe he is going to make a huge impact playing cornerback.”
Lendino is one of the Wildcats’ best two-sport athletes. As a junior, he also started at forward on the boys basketball team.
“I have been playing multiple sports my whole life,” he said. “I think I am smarter and more knowledgeable than a lot of players. That might be one of my strongest assets, with my speed and athleticism.”
Senior linebacker Cole Dutkovich has watched Lendino’s development.
“Dino is an amazing guy,” Dutkovich said. “He always puts the team first and is one of the smartest football players I’ve ever been around. He has leveled up as an athlete this offseason and combined that with his smarts.”
Lendino recently received his first Division I offer from Valparaiso, a Football Championship Subdivision program. He has generated strong interest from a range of Division II and Division III programs.
But he is focused on what is directly in front of him. With a high-powered offense directed by third-year starting quarterback Mark Mennecke and an athletic defense, the Wildcats have legitimate state championship aspirations.
“I have been playing with a lot of my teammates since elementary school,” Lendino said. “We have one last season together, and I am going to enjoy every second of it.
“We have one last shot to a win a state championship, one last shot to have fun.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
Team: Neuqua Valley.
2021 record: 10-2.
Offensive leaders: Jaden McGee, senior, running back; Mark Mennecke, senior, quarterback; Nick Rush, senior, lineman; Carter Stare, junior, receiver.
Defensive leaders: Cole Dutkovich, senior, linebacker; Peyton Kuhl, senior, cornerback; Nicolas Lendino, senior, cornerback; Gabe Willis, senior, tackle.
X-factor: Grant Larkin, senior, receiver/running back/safety/returner.
