New Trier’s Nykaza back at quarterback

Updated: July 15, 2011 1:50PM

There wasn’t a much better classroom for quarterbacks — or spread offenses — to learn in this summer than at Wheaton Warrenville South’s Red Grange Classic.

New Trier’s Jack Nykaza absorbed as much as he could at the first-year 7-on-7 tournament, already considered one of the best in the state. The senior went up against three state champions in Maine South, Montini and Wheaton Warrenville South as the Trevians ended up 1-6 at the eight-team tournament.

“This helps me a lot,” said Nykaza, who’s been taking the first-string snaps at quarterback after starting at running back last season. “It allows me to practice reading coverages, not just watching them on film. I’m playing catch-up this summer.”

Nykaza’s back under center after playing the position on the sophomore team. He said last year was the first time in a decade he lined up at running back.

“I was always a running quarterback, so it wasn’t that big of a deal,” he said. “But I think the team benefits most with me at quarterback because that fits my personal skills the most.”

New Trier coach Dan Starkey said the Trevians are farther ahead in the passing game this summer than they were last year. While he wants to run first, the second-year coach hopes to feature a more balanced offense this season.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Nykaza won’t have to be a superman at quarterback if running backs Josh Perlmutter and Daniel Olaniyan play up to their potential. Nykaza also seems to have found a reliable receiving target in Christian Carr.

The senior wideout, who made a couple of tough touchdown grabs at Wheaton South, got some playing time last year when Charlie Tilson injured his shoulder and missed the last half of the season. Carr finished last season with eight catches.

For now, Nykaza is working on making himself a better player and possibly draw interest from college scouts. Northwestern, Western Michigan and Minnesota are a few teams that have inquired, but Nykaza has no offers yet.

“Reading defenses,” he said of his biggest hurdle right now. “I need to know where my options are.”

Despite a losing record at the Red Grange Classic, Nykaza believes the Trevians gained a lot from the trip.

“We didn’t do all that bad,” he said. “But when you play against a high-quality teams, it shows you what you need to work on. You always make the plays against weaker teams, but this shows us what we need to do better.”

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