Scouting Grant: Bulldogs look for continued growth
If Grant's growth matches the physical growth of junior quarterback Tyler Elfering, the Bulldogs might stand tall this fall.
Elfering has sprouted in more ways than one.
"It's so impressive the growth that he's had over this last year as an individual and as an athlete," Grant coach Chris Robinson said. "He's a leader, so we're really excited to see him step up into that role."
Listed at 5 feet 9 and 140 pounds on the varsity roster last year, Elfering moves from wide receiver to QB and notes he's 6-2 "and a half." Last year's JV QB is also up to 180 pounds. He was the freshman team's QB two years ago.
"I'm happy to take over the (quarterback) position," said Elfering, who replaces Matt McGraw, who transferred to Lake Zurich after starting at QB for the Bulldogs the last two years. "I've played quarterback my whole life, so it's familiar to me. I'm comfortable in the spot, and I feel it's my best chance to help our team win."
Senior tight end Klaus Kathrein should help Elfering transition smoothly to his new position. The 6-3, 235-pound Kathrein was the Bulldogs' big-play receiver last year, catching 4 touchdown passes and averaging 17 yards on 14 receptions, total.
"He's been committed to workouts, and he's leading by example," Robinson said.
Kathrein sees a different player in Elfering from a year ago.
"There's a lot more confidence in him - a lot more," Kathrein said. "I definitely think (the chemistry with Elfering) is there. I think we'll be a lot better with the way our (offensive) line is looking."
Grant lost its first seven games under first-year coach Robinson last season but finished by winning its last two. Another key player back is elusive junior running back Noah Lautner, who was named All-Northern Lake County Conference First Team last year. Grant's MVP, Lautner rushed for nearly 600 yards and scored 3 TDs.
Returning junior Jalen Coffea anchors the offensive line along with senior Gordon Kiesgen. Sophomore newcomer Anthony Karow will play center, and Robinson calls senior Tyler Cameron "one of the most improved athletes" on the team. Senior wide receiver Tyler Fritsch is back too.
Elfering brings the ability to get out of the pocket and get in the open field.
"I feel I'm at my best when I'm using my feet," Elfering said.
For the second year in a row, Josh Christian will serve as offensive coordinator, and Robinson will run the defense, which graduated a pair of All-NLCC First Team selections in Evan Viscioni (6 interceptions) and Lucas Mateski. Junior Dylan Hernandez started at outside linebacker last year and will also play running back this season. The defense also features junior linebacker Jimmy Taylor, junior lineman Ben Kisegen (Gordon's cousin) and junior linebacker/safety Luke Bedrosian.
The secondary has sophomore Jonathon Bolton (safety) and Brett Riggs (cornerback). As a freshman, Bolton ran on Grant's state-qualifying 400-meter relay last spring.
"We took a bunch of young kids to Maine West for a passing league, and (Bolton and Riggs) held their own against quality competition," Robinson said.
The Bulldogs played as many as 10 sophomores last season, but might have fewer than five on the roster this year.
"We're still pretty young, but now we've got some experience," Robinson said. "There's a difference there.
"We had a lot of kids buy into our lifting program," Robinson added. "They understand the weight room is the great equalizer, and that's what we preach. We got a lot of kids who have gotten bigger, physically. And attitude-wise, a lot of kids have come back more mature."