Two-way standout is Wildcats' 'Webb' gem

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Colin Webb doesn’t like to pick one spot over another.

When it comes to playing high school football, he just wants to be in the middle of the action.

He excelled on offense and defense during his junior year at Wilmington.

Webb passed for 1,268 yards and 14 touchdowns while earning all-conference honors in the Interstate Eight’s small-school division. He led the Wildcats to an 11-1 record and a berth in the 3A quarterfinals. He also was credited with 62 tackles — including 12 solo stops — and two interceptions while creating a buzz of conversation in the stands.

Yes, he plays quarterback and inside linebacker.

“They both have their pluses,” Webb said. “There is nothing better than throwing a touchdown pass. But it’s also fun to come up and smoke a running back right in the hole and stick him for no gain or something like that.”

He is preparing to pick up right where he left off in his senior season with the Wildcats.

Webb showcased his arm for the first time in a competitive situation during play Saturday at the University of St. Francis’ 7-on-7 passing jamboree. He has the strength to go deep, downfield, and the touch to drop a ball on the hands of a secondary target circling out of the backfield. He also has the mindset to do whatever is necessary — on either side of the ball.

“He’ll be a three-year starter for us,” Wilmington coach Jeff Reents said. “As a sophomore, he was our starting quarterback and also played outside linebacker. Last year, we moved him inside. He feels comfortable with it. I know it’s not the most popular combination to have, but, for a small school, we move kids around and put our best kids out to play.

“And Colin’s one of those kids. So, he’s not only quarterbacking the offense, but he’s quarterbacking the defense. We’ve been fortunate to have him.”

“With our scheme — we run a 3-5-3 defense — and I’m not so much right up on the line,” Webb said. “I’m almost in-between a linebacker and a safety. So, I don’t take as much punishment as I would playing right up on the line. But it’s something we’ve got to do.

“And I’ll do whatever I can to make the team better.”

Reents understands the risk/reward scenario that comes with playing his quarterback on both sides of the ball. He pictures Webb as big enough to handle himself.

“A lot of our quarterbacks have played free safety or corner,” Reents said. “It may not be as physical. But a lot of those kids came up and hit just as hard. We’ve got Colin playing linebacker — he’s a bigger kid. He’s 6-1 and 200 pounds. His physique can help him withstand any of the physical grind.

“It’s a different grind, but I worry the same with him getting hurt as I do everybody else.”

Reents doesn’t worry about Webb’s preparation. He has made his share of progress since the ’Cats were ousted from postseason play by Oregon (21-14) last November.

“He’s put in a lot of time in the offseason,” Reents said. “One thing we try to pride ourselves on at Wilmington is to have three-sport kids. Colin not only does a good job in football, but also basketball and baseball. So, between all of that, he’s been trying to get some work done by himself in the gym.

“He’s a great leader. His throwing today was good. It was our first day really going against people. So, I think he got better as the day went on.”

For Webb, the process now is one that can be likened to polishing as opposed to resurfacing.

“In my sophomore year, I was kind of a thrower,” he said. “Then, last year, we really worked hard — and even this year, too — we really worked hard on my mechanics, making sure everything is nice and fluid. It kind of showed today. I’ll keep working all summer so hopefully in the fall I’ll be as ready as I can be.

“When I was a sophomore, my job was not to lose the game. Now, it’s more like I’ve got to make the reads and try to make plays to help us win the game.”

Webb stands at the head of a nucleus of returning skill players that have Wilmington fans pumped for another Purple Reign. The list includes running backs Cort Scheel and Jeremy Bailey, split end Richard Heintz and fullback/linebacker Zach McWilliams.

“We’ve got a bunch of guys coming back,” Webb said. “We’re going to have a lot of speed. We might not be the biggest team, but we’re going to be real fast.”

“We had a lot of juniors playing last year,” Reents said. “So, those kids will be seniors. You don’t get the experience every year. This year, we’ll be fortunate to have some. We’re trying to get our juniors and our seniors to mesh.

“I think a key to our season will be how that goes. We’ve got a lot of work to do this summer. The I-8 is always going to bring us some great tests, and this year will be no different.”