“Rather than wait for college recruiters to find him, Neukirch found them.

First he improved his speed to a high 4.6 in the 40-yard dash by working with Rocky Scalise of Going Vertical in Huntley, whom Neukirch credits for his improved stamina and foot speed. “its for his improved stamina and foot speed. “

“Neukirch credited his offensive line of Adams, J.J. McDougall, Kyle Hartline, Michael Zermeno, Kevin Doran and Marcus Popenfoose, and also his trainer, Rocky Scalise, at Going Vertical in Huntley.

“Going to him was the best thing I’ve ever done to get ready for a season,” Neukirch said. “The speed training helped incredibly. I recommend it for any person in any sport. It’s definitely worth it.”

Neukirch’s training benefited him at the one-day camps in June and July, as well as through the season. He seemed to get stronger while defenses grew weary of tackling him.

“Last year he came off the field on offense when he needed a break,” Huntley coach Steve Graves said. “He never pulled himself out of a game. That spring and summer preparation he did really helped him toward the season.”

“Over the summer that quest took him to Going Vertical in Huntley, where football standout Jordan Neukirch and Jacobs basketball star Conrad Krutwig both train, for a strength-and-agility program. He said he has noticed a difference in his stamina and recovery time.”