2008 Woodie Awards
Senior makes the switch
After spending last season as the starting left guard, senior Jeff Dirkes switched to the center position this year
Tyler Ohmann
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
| |
| |
|
This is the life of Huskies starting center Jeff Dirkes. Dirkes is a returning starter from last year's offensive line, although he's playing a little bit to the right of where he's used to playing, having started last season at left guard.
"It's a little different, it's a bit harder, but all in all, I think I am adapting well," Dirkes said of the switch. "It seems like the offensive line is doing better as a whole, and we're meshing well this season."
The success this season both Dirkes and his offensive line coach Doug Patterson attribute to his shift downward in weight.
"During the off-season, he did a real good job of getting in shape, which shows commitment," Patterson said.
"It's a whole lot easier to play at 290 instead of 330 or 340," Dirkes said. "Everyone else is doing the same thing this year, and it's helped a ton."
His major impact to the team is his commitment and experience.
"He is an experienced player, has good ability, and he is coachable; that is what is important," Patterson said.
Dirkes' commitment has helped lead an offensive line that has helped propel a Huskies running game averaging more than 100 yards rushing a game this season.
"My experience and commitment allow me to teach the younger guys. If they're doing something wrong I can help them," Dirkes said.
Dirkes' life revolves around sports, as he is going to school to be an Adaptive Physical Education teacher. He shows commitment in his life not only on the field, but off the field.
"I have most of my classes in Halenbeck and I'm there for most of the day," Dirkes said.
Sports also seem to run in the family for Dirkes as well, with his brother Scott playing football at SCSU as a punter from 2000-2003. Scott also excelled on the field, setting the school record for yards punt in 2003.
In the upcoming homecoming game against Augustana, Dirkes plans to treat the game like any other. He is still going to show up at the locker room at the same time and put his gear on the same way.
However he does say that for homecoming, that the players need to "remember not to fall into any distractions, and stay focused for the game."
This can be especially difficult during the celebration of homecoming week, where emotions are high.
'Number 67 Jeff Dirkes snaps the ball to Hammersing, he falls back to pass. He has time. He throws. Touchdown Huskies!'
This will be the sound during the game on Saturday and the play will work through commitment.
He starts it with a snap and finishes it with a high five, and whether it's the start of the play or the end of the day, it all comes down to commitment.
Other notes:
-Dirkes is a 2004 graduate of nearby Albany High School, where he participated in football and track.
-In addition to excelling in football at high school, Dirkes also had a lot of success in track, earning All-State recognition for shot put and discus. Dirkes placed third in shot put and ninth in discus, respectively.