Lake Zurich’s Jacob Wilk has come a long way in a short period of time.
Wilk first played football just three years ago. But the 6-foot-6, 290-pound senior offensive lineman has developed into a Division I recruit.
“I had always played a lot of other sports, but my parents wouldn’t let me play (football) when I was younger,” Wilk said. “They were afraid I would get hurt.
“A lot of people from the high school approached me, too, and I’m glad it worked out well for me.”
It has also worked out well for Lake Zurich, which can count on the Western Michigan commit to anchor the offensive line at left tackle. Wilk was called up to practice with the varsity team for its playoff run when he was a sophomore and then became a starter last year, when the Bears (11-2) reached the state semifinals for the second straight season.
“His freshman year, he bought in to what we were doing, and sophomore year we started looking at him more seriously,” Lake Zurich offensive line coach Matt VanAcker said. “That got him more confidence, and by his junior year, you could tell he was ready. He brought more aggressiveness and attitude.”
Wilk’s junior season was interrupted when he suffered a torn MCL in his right knee during a practice before Lake Zurich’s North Suburban Conference game against Stevenson in Week 3. The injury didn’t require surgery, however, and Wilk returned for the Bears’ 14-10 win against Belvidere North in the Class 6A state quarterfinals.
“The improvement he had made was massive, and he was so determined to get back on the field,” VanAcker said. “He brings a positive energy every day, and that positivity was even more evident when he was injured.”
Will was a different player when he returned to the field.
“When I got back for the playoffs, I had this intensity I didn’t have before,” he said. “It was really tough to watch the team and not be able to be out there helping. But I was able to watch even more film, and I got to know the plays inside and out. I feel I’m a better player now.”
Wilk has committed himself to the sport in other ways too. He works with a trainer at Tactic Sports Performance and with Aurora University offensive line coach Kevin Sabo.
“(Sabo) noticed that my stance could use some work, and we work on things like keeping my pad level low, things you wouldn’t think would matter,” Wilk said.
“Looking back, I could have done a lot more work in dedicating myself to the sport. That’s the one thing I would change. I was always bigger than everyone, so I didn’t think I had to do anything more.”
Wilk’s combination of size and athleticism makes his unusual. Lake Zurich senior right tackle Max Maj marvels at how well Wilk moves and bends.
“One thing kids at our age don’t have is the range of motion he has,” Maj said. “He’s crazy powerful, and he has natural flexibility. He does high kicks over his head in warmups. It’s been really cool seeing him develop to the point he’s at now.”
Wilk credits his time playing other sports, which included baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer, and he enjoys using his quickness and strength to dominate.
“The first guy I see, I’m just trying to get him off his line,” Wilk said. “But then I like to destroy people out there. That’s what makes it fun.”
Wilk said his parents made it possible.
“They’re all in now, and I wouldn’t be where I’m at without their support,” he said.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
