Glory Days with....Jordan Neukirch

Huntley’s football program has not made many playoff appearances in the school’s history. In fact, the Red Raiders have only been to the playoffs three times including during the 2008 season where Jordan Neukirch helped lead Huntley to a 9-2 record. Neukirch ran for over 1,700 yards and had 20 touchdowns during that season as Huntley went to the second round of the playoffs.

Neukirch was part of a state-record in the opening round of the playoffs that season as Huntley ran for 712 yards with 266 of those yards coming from Neukirch along with four touchdowns. Neukirch is now a redshirt sophomore at Illinois State University and said that 2008 season was a big thing for him being able to take the school somewhere it had not been very much.

“The biggest thing for me was making the playoffs for only the second time in 34 years. That was something really special to make the playoffs,” Neukirch said. “That was definitely the highlight of my senior year to be able to do that with my buddies. It was very special because people in the area never took our school too seriously so we were hoping to create a lot of success for our school.”

Neukirch redshirted in 2009 and last season played in all 11 games for the Redbirds while leading the team in special teams tackles. Neukirch has played in all three games so far this year for Illinois State, who are 1-2 and will play South Dakota St. on Saturday in Normal. Each week brings a new amount of playing time for him, Neukirch said.

“We got pretty much everyone back on offense this year but I’m getting plenty of playing time, playing H-back right now so it kind of depends week-to-week on who we are playing with what formations that we will get,” he said.

Neukirch added that it is enjoying his time playing for Illinois State.

“I’m definitely glad with the choice I made,” Neukirch said. “It’s a little bit stressful at times but a decision I’m glad I made. I love the coaching staff, love my teammates and my friends here. It’s close to him so my family can make it to every game and I don’t think my parents have missed a game yet.”

You will have the opportunity to see Neukirch in action on October 1 as Illinois State’s game at North Dakota St. will be on Comcast SportsNet Plus at 1 p.m. and Illinois State will be on CSN again on Oct. 29 at Southern Illinois.

If you know of a former athlete from Huntley, Jacobs or Dundee-Crown who should be featured on Glory Days, send me an email at carypatchsports@yahoo.com.